Thucydides Human Power

In the book, Justice Power and Human Nature, Thucydides describes different events that take place during the Peloponnesian War. Keeping the chronology in mind, he gives us each and every detail of the war that he also lived through. Thucydides uses elaborative speeches throughout the text, Pericles’ eulogy being the best of them. While these elaborative speeches and debate are persuading and motivating, they also reflect the oral culture among the Greeks. Thucydides interpretation of the causes and events of the Peloponnesian War is really commendable; his description of the plague gives us an insight that only an eye witness can give. While writing the history of the war, whether Thucydides was biased or not is questionable, after all he was an Athenian. …show more content…
It is human nature, that stands above all, that drives people to desire for justice and power. According to Thucydides, as said in the Athenian speech, fear, ambition and advantage compels any nation to expand their empire. With positon comes power, and in fear of losing that power, one will do whatever it takes and not surrender. As per him, as the Athenians also argue, it is normal for human to look out for his own interest and he should not be blamed for that. Thus, Thucydides believes that human nature is unjust and cruel. This idea of Thucydides is also reflected in the modern world. The Cold War and Iraq War are perfect examples, where two countries, for materialistic advantage and fearing being side kicked went on