It is evident, then, that in corrupt governments it is partly just and useful to the individual, though probably it is as clear that it is not entirely just: for in a well-governed state there may be great doubts about the use of it, not on account of the
pre-eminence which one may have in strength, riches, or connection: but when the
pre-eminence is virtue, what then is to be done?
Therefore, he who considers the actions and the genius of this man will see nothing, or little, which can be attributed to fortune, inasmuch as he attained
pre-eminence, as is shown above, not by the favour of any one, but step by step in the military profession, which steps were gained with a thousand troubles and perils, and were afterwards boldly held by him with many hazardous dangers.
She with stately steps proudly advances over the field: aloft she bears her towering head, filled with conceit of her own
pre-eminence, and schemes to effect her intended discovery.
And, to speak of human affairs, I believe that the
pre-eminence of Sparta was due not to the goodness of each of its laws in particular, for many of these were very strange, and even opposed to good morals, but to the circumstance that, originated by a single individual, they all tended to a single end.
Of this description are the love of power or the desire of
pre-eminence and dominion -- the jealousy of power, or the desire of equality and safety.
A zeal for different opinions concerning religion, concerning government, and many other points, as well of speculation as of practice; an attachment to different leaders ambitiously contending for
pre-eminence and power; or to persons of other descriptions whose fortunes have been interesting to the human passions, have, in turn, divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good.
Women?" He went over his vices in his mind, not knowing to which of them to give the
pre-eminence.
In the land where it flourishes there is no great
pre-eminence in what you call sports or games.
There was also in him something else--a sincere religious feeling which Varvara did not know, which intertwined itself with the feeling of pride and the desire for
pre-eminence, and guided him.
They were each too splendid, too mighty, too incomparable to divide
pre-eminence. One only must survive.
His striking costume, no less than his naturally commanding figure, seemed indeed to give him
pre-eminence over the rest.
Was not this the typical
pre-eminence of his profession?