In his plague speech, Pericles implies that a citizen supports his polis by surrendering “domestic affiliations” and contributing his services. To begin with, Thucydides writes, “Since then a state can support the misfortunes of private citizens, while they cannot support hers, it is surely the duty of every one to be forward in her defence, and not like you to be so confounded with your domestic affiliations as to give up all thoughts of the common safety.” Because a democracy reflects the views of the people, it is imperative that the common person be able to formulate wise and rational opinions. A citizen might harm his polis by ignoring the welfare of his polis and acting out of personal gain.
Furthermore, Pericles tells the assembly that