Our predecessors have left the subject of legislation to us unexamined; it is best, therefore, that we should ourselves study it, and in general study the question of the constitution, in order to complete to the best of our ability the philosophy of human nature. First, then, if anything has been said well in detail by earlier thinkers, let us now try to review it; then in the light of the constitutions we have collected let us study what sorts persevere and destroy states, and what sorts persevere or or destroy certain kinds of constitution, and to what causes it is due that some are well and others are ill administered. When these matters have been studied we shall perhaps be more likely to see with a comprehensive view which constitution is best, and how each just be ordered, and what laws and customs it must use, if it is to be at its best. Let us make a beginning of our discussion.
—Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).