Thucydides Quotes
A collection of quotes by Thucydides.
Thucydides (c. 460-400 BC) was an ancient Greek historian and general renowned for his masterpiece "History of the Peloponnesian War." Born into an aristocratic Athenian family, he received an excellent education and likely participated in the city-state's political and military affairs. Thucydides held a high military command during the early years of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta in the late 5th century BC.
Unfortunately, not much is known about Thucydides' personal life beyond his involvement in the war. He witnessed the plague that ravaged Athens in 430 BC, which took his own life and affected his writing significantly. Thucydides designed his historical account to be objective, emphasizing the scientific study of human behavior during wartime rather than relying on mythical narratives or divine intervention. His work provided a detailed analysis of political, military, and social aspects of the conflict and became a model for future historians.
Thucydides' writing style is characterized by his attention to detail, meticulous research, and analytical approach. He aimed to present facts objectively, focusing on the causes and effects of events while often criticizing the actions of individuals and states. Though his work remains unfinished, it continues to be highly regarded as a seminal work of history and political science.
Thucydides' contributions to historiography greatly influenced subsequent generations of historians, and his ideas on power, human nature, and international relations continue to be studied and debated. His work stands as a testament to the importance of critical thinking and rigorous analysis in understanding the complexities of human affairs.
