The consideration of the duties pertaining to [our other] kindred
is consequent to the discussion of those that pertain to parents,
brothers, wives, and children; for the same things may, in a certain
respect, be said of the former as of the latter; and on this account
may be concisely explained. For, in short, each of us is, as it
were, circumscribed by many circles; some of which are less, but
others larger, and some comprehend, but others are comprehended,
according to the different and unequal habitudes with respect to
each other. For the first, indeed, and most proximate circle is
that which every one describes about his own mind as a centre, in
which circle the body, and whatever is assumed for the sake of the
body, are comprehended. For this is nearly the smallest circle, and
almost touches the centre itself. The second from this, and which
is at a greater distance from the centre, but comprehends the first
circle, is that in which parents, brothers, wife, and children are
arranged. The third circle from the centre is that which contains
uncles and aunts, grandfathers and grandmothers, and the children of
brothers and sisters. After this is the circle which comprehends
the remaining relatives. Next to this is that which contains the
common people, then that which comprehends those of the same tribe,
afterwards that which contains the citizens; and then two other
circles follow, one being the circle of those that dwell in the
vicinity of the city, and the other, of those of the same province.
But the outermost and greatest circle, and which comprehends all the
other circles, is that of the whole human race[51].
These things being thus considered, it is the province of him who
strives to conduct himself properly in each of these connections
to collect, in a certain respect, the circles, as it were, to one
centre, and always to endeavour earnestly to transfer himself from
the comprehending circles to the several particulars which they
comprehend. It pertains, therefore, to the man who is a lover of
kindred [to conduct himself in a becoming manner[52]] towards
his parents and brothers; also, according to the same analogy,
towards the more elderly of his relatives of both sexes, such as
grandfathers, uncles and aunts; towards those of the same age with
himself, as his cousins; and towards his juniors, as the children of
his cousins. Hence we have summarily shown how we ought to conduct
ourselves towards our kindred, having before taught how we should
act towards ourselves, our parents, and brothers; and besides these,
towards our wife and children. To which it must be added, that
those who belong to the third circle must be honoured similarly to
these; and again, kindred similarly to those that belong to the
third circle. For something of benevolence must be taken away from
those who are more distant from us by blood; though at the same time
we should endeavour that an assimilation may take place between us
and them. For this distance will become moderate, if, through the
diligent attention[53] which we pay to them, we cut off the length
of the habitude towards each individual of these. We have unfolded,
therefore, that which is most comprehensive and important in the
duties pertaining to kindred.
It is requisite, likewise, to add a proper measure conformably to
the general use of appellations, calling indeed cousins, uncles and
aunts, by the name of brothers, fathers and mothers; but of other
kindred, to denominate some uncles, others the children of brothers
or sisters, and others cousins, according to the difference of age,
for the sake of the abundant extension which there is in names.
For this mode of appellation will be no obscure indication of our
sedulous attention to each of these relatives; and at the same time
will incite, and extend us in a greater degree, to the contraction as
it were of the above mentioned circles. But as we have proceeded thus
far in our discussion, it will not be unseasonable to recall to our
memory the distinction with respect to parents, which we before made.
For in that place in which we compared mother with father, we said
that it was requisite to attribute more of love to a mother, and more
of honour to a father; and conformably to this, we shall here add,
that it is fit to have more love for those who are connected with
us by a maternal alliance, but to pay more honour to those who are
related to us by a paternal affinity.