Agnolo's sons, who are represented as talking with their father in this dialogue, ask him, in relation to the gifts of fortune, whether he thinks the honors of the State desirable.

This question introduces a long and vehement invective against the life of a professional statesman, as of necessity fraudulent, mendacious, egotistic, cruel.[4] The private man of middle station is really happiest; and only a sense of patriotism should induce him, not seeking but when sought, to serve the State in public office.
The really dear possessions of a man are his family, his wealth, his good repute, and his friendships.

In order to be successful in the conduct of the family, a man must choose a large and healthy house, where the whole of his offspring--children and grandchildren, may live together.

He must own an estate which will supply him with corn, wine, oil, wood, fowls, in fact with all the necessaries of life, so that he may not need to buy much.

The main food of the family will be bread and wine.