At the same time, he persuades us to release what is no longer useful to us, holding only to what is of ultimate value in life for ourselves, and for the world in which we live. Through Livy's device of presenting models or examples, Roman leaders and their accomplishments come to life, and the nature of the national Roman character is delineated and vivified, bringing inspiration and edification. We can wisely shape our own lives in light of the experiences of the past, and this is Livy's hope. By focusing on individual exempla , Livy wants us to look beyond the action, beyond a particular episode, beyond the events of the past to see the mental and moral qualities of the persons involved. His main concern is with how people shape events, and how moral qualities ranging from virtue to vice shape people.
Space is allotted to a person in proportion to the individual's importance.
Those who play leading roles are seen again and again, each time a different facet of character is revealed, the person's inner nature is expressed in action, or we gain insight into the person's nature through remarks or speeches. A key individual is presented in such a way that only his exemplary, salient qualities are emphasized. Ultimately, virtue works for the growth and stability of individuals within society, while vice undermines stability, creating life out of balance. Beginning in 467 BC when there were no written laws, Book III sees measures taken to safeguard liberty through laws, and ends in 446 BC with the foundation of the Roman legal system to assure fairness, balance and stability. Livy's skillful handling of the three major exempla in Book III convinces us of the importance of balance.