But there is a shorter way to a nobler goal, the obedience of the will.

When the interests of mankind are at stake, they will obey with joy the man whom they believe to be wiser than themselves.

You may prove this on all sides: you may see how the sick man will beg the doctor to tell him what he ought to do, how a whole ship's company will listen to the pilot, how travellers will cling to the one who knows the way better, as they believe, than they do themselves.

But if men think that obedience will lead them to disaster, then nothing, neither penalties, nor persuasion, nor gifts, will avail to rouse them.

For no man accepts a bribe to his own destruction." [22] "You would have me understand," said Cyrus, "that the best way to secure obedience is to be thought wiser than those we rule ?" "Yes," said Cambyses, "that is my belief." "And what is the quickest way," asked Cyrus, "to win that reputation ?" "None quicker, my lad, than this: wherever you wish to seem wise, be wise.