mention of Stephanus as one who loans money at interest, and takes advantage of another’s need,493 is a slight reminder of the philosophic prejudice against interest, though here he is doubtless emphasizing loans for consumption merely, at an exorbitant rate.494 But these traces of the Socratic attitude toward wealth are of very little significance, in the face of the evident economic interest that characterizes all the orations of Demosthenes.
Isocrates may, in a sense, be reckoned among the Socratics, and he exhibits more of their spirit in relation to wealth than do any of the other orators. He would have men strive for honest character rather than for wealth, since it is not always gain to acquire and loss to spend. The result depends rather upon the occasion and virtue.495 Noble character is of more value than great riches,496 for good reputation is not purchasable (ὠνητή) with money, but is itself the source of material possessions, and it is immortal, while wealth is only temporal.497 Material and spiritual wealth are thus contrasted in true Socratic manner;498 right use is emphasized,499 and the common insatiety and injustice of money-makers is opposed.500 Folly and license are named as the usual accompaniments of wealth, in contrast to the moderation that characterizes the poor and lowly.501 But, like Plato, Isocrates considers neither luxury nor penury to be the ideal condition,502 and clearly appreciates the evil effect of poverty in arousing discontent and civic strife in the state.503
But despite this moralizing tendency, he agrees with the other orators in appreciating highly the economic importance of the manual arts.504 He points also, with apparent pride, to the extensive commerce of Athens as compared with that of other states,505 and one of his chief arguments for peace is that thereby the city will be filled with merchants and strangers and metics.506 This entire plea for peace, which he bases so largely on economic advantage, has a decidedly modern ring. He understood well the importance of industrial development in the general prosperity of a democracy. In almost Aristotelian language, he pictures how in the good