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And so he gradually worked his way up until, by 444 BC – a number as beautiful as the time it represents,
就這樣他逐漸獲得了最高統治權并自公元前444年起——這個數字像它所表明的時代一樣美,
he was, in effect, the city's sole ruler.
他實際上單獨領導了這個國家。
His chief concern was that Athens should maintain its power at sea,
他認為最重要的是雅典應保持海上力量，
and this he achieved through alliances with other Ionian cities who paid Athens for its protection.
通過與別的伊安尼爾人的城邦結盟，他成功地做到了這一點，那些城邦也因雅典的保護，給雅典納稅。
In this way the Athenians grew rich and could at last afford to make use of their great gifts.
這樣，雅典人就富了起來，就能夠開始憑他們的才干做一番大事業了。
And now I can hear you asking: But what exactly did they do that was so great? And I can only say "everything".
但現在我會聽到你問：但雅典人做出了什么了不起的事了？我只能說“一切”，什么了不起的事雅典人都做了。
But two things interested them most and these were truth and beauty.
但是他們對兩個方面：真和美，尤其感興趣。
Their assemblies had taught the Athenians how to discuss all matters openly, with arguments for and against.
雅典人在他們的公民大會上學會了公開談論一切事務，發表同意或不同意的意見。
This was good training in learning how to think.
這對學會思考是件好事。
Soon they were using arguments and counter-arguments, not just when they were debating everyday matters like whether or not to increase taxation,
不久他們就不僅對像增稅是否必要這樣的日常事務尋求同意的和反對的意見，
but in discussions about the whole of nature.
他們還研究整個自然。
