Ἔθος
custom, habituation
Translated by Marcelo Boeri8 Dec 2003Vetting: high6 revisions
Translation
Meaning a sign. Or an unwritten law, whereas a law [is] a written custom.1
Custom2 is not a human discovery, but [sc. a natutal product] of life and of time. And whereas law is comparable to tyranny, for each thing is accomplished due to fear and to a command, custom is rather [accomplished] due to philanthropy than to kingship. For all people follow custom willingly and without necessity.3 And law is full of such justice and philanthropy that even for unfortunate people it is more useful than what is generically convenient; for those suffering injustice it is stronger than their own strength; for parents it is more favorable than sons; for children [more favorable] than parents, for brothers [more favorable] than brothers. This is because many people, when suffering an injustice by the action of their friends, take refuge in law. And there are even more things [sc. to say] about law.
Custom2 is not a human discovery, but [sc. a natutal product] of life and of time. And whereas law is comparable to tyranny, for each thing is accomplished due to fear and to a command, custom is rather [accomplished] due to philanthropy than to kingship. For all people follow custom willingly and without necessity.3 And law is full of such justice and philanthropy that even for unfortunate people it is more useful than what is generically convenient; for those suffering injustice it is stronger than their own strength; for parents it is more favorable than sons; for children [more favorable] than parents, for brothers [more favorable] than brothers. This is because many people, when suffering an injustice by the action of their friends, take refuge in law. And there are even more things [sc. to say] about law.