stating so clearly the relation of the market to the development of the principle.437 In this, he is the forerunner of Adam Smith, who observes that a minute division of trades cannot exist except in the larger cities, especially in coast and river towns.438
The assertion of Haney,439 that the Greeks referred only to a “simple separation of employments,” is certainly unwarranted in the light of this passage, for Xenophon expressly distinguishes here the simple from the more complex subdivision. He says that some are employed on men’s shoes, others on women’s; some do the sewing (νευρορραφῶν), others do the cutting (σχίζων), and that the same also is true in the manufacture of clothing.440 This passage is also an evidence that the development of industry in fourth-century Athens must have been extensive.
Xenophon also, like Plato, observed the fact that the diversity in the natures of men is the basis for the division of labor,441 though he did not follow him in his doctrine that men and women should have the same work.442
Unlike Plato, the idealist, Xenophon, the practical man of affairs, takes the institution of slavery for granted, seemingly unconscious of any ethical or economic problems involved.443
However, as a matter of common-sense, he advises that slaves be treated with consideration. He would give them a proper degree of liberty,444 and arouse them to do their best445 by a fair system of rewards and punishments.
In the case of those slaves who hold positions of trust, he advises that their affections should be won by kindly treatment, and even by making them sharers in the prosperity of the household.446
Slavery is, of course, a condition most irksome to the free-born. The unfortunate Eutheros would almost prefer starvation.447