In establishing and ordering the common weale, much care and diligence must be undertaken. Without learning and virtue, wholesome rule is impossible. Such things are precisely what Francesco Patrizi endeavors to detail in this comprehensive, systematic work of political philosophy, marshaling myriad lessons from classical history as keystones in his theory of virtue politics. He touches upon:
- republic vs. monarchy
- political laws & ordinances
- support for learning
- marriage & housekeeping
- household order
- duties & offices
- civil citizens & countrymen
- the land's impact on man
- buildings, walls, & gates
- garrisons & libraries
- peace & war
- liberal arts & sciences
- election of magistrates
- vice & virtue
- safeguarding the city
- trades & vocations
- entreating the nobility
- waterworks & waterways
- castles & fortresses
- churches & monuments
- martial discipline
- and much more