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Second book of my freshman seminar. I went into reading this with low expectations, thinking that a history of some random war. But it was actually kinda interesting!
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On Justice, Power and Human Nature: Selections from The History of the Peloponnesian War
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Designed for students with little or no background in ancient Greek language and culture, this collection of extracts from The History of the Peloponnesian War includes those passages that shed most light on Thucydides’ political theory--famous as well as important but lesser-known pieces frequently overlooked by nonspecialists. Newly translated into spare, vigorous English, and situated within a connective narrative framework, Woodruff’s selections will be of special interest to instructors in political theory and Greek civilization. Includes maps, notes, glossary.
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 1,1874
This edition
- Format
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172 pages, Paperback
- Published
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October 1, 1993 by Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
- ISBN
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9780872201682
- ASIN
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0872201686
- Language
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English
About the author
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Thucydides (c. 460 B.C. – c. 400 B.C.) (Greek Θουκυδίδης) was an Athenian historian and general. His History of the Peloponnesian War recounts the fifth-century BC war between Sparta and Athens until the year 411 BC. Thucydides has been dubbed the father of "scientific history" by those who accept his claims to have applied strict standards of impartiality and evidence-gathering and analysis of cause and effect, without reference to intervention by the gods, as outlined in his introduction to his work.
He also has been called the father of the school of political realism, which views the political behavior of individuals and the subsequent outcomes of relations between states as ultimately mediated by, and constructed upon, fear and self-interest. His text is still studied at universities and military colleges worldwide. The Melian dialogue is regarded as a seminal text of international relations theory, while his version of Pericles' Funeral Oration is widely studied by political theorists, historians, and students of the classics.
More generally, Thucydides developed an understanding of human nature to explain behavior in such crises as plagues, massacres, and wars.
He also has been called the father of the school of political realism, which views the political behavior of individuals and the subsequent outcomes of relations between states as ultimately mediated by, and constructed upon, fear and self-interest. His text is still studied at universities and military colleges worldwide. The Melian dialogue is regarded as a seminal text of international relations theory, while his version of Pericles' Funeral Oration is widely studied by political theorists, historians, and students of the classics.
More generally, Thucydides developed an understanding of human nature to explain behavior in such crises as plagues, massacres, and wars.
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"...they reversed the usual way of using words to evaluate what they did. Ill-considered boldness was counted as loyal manliness; prudent hesitation was held to be cowardice in disguise, and moderation merely the cloak of an unmanly nature. A mind that could grasp the good of the whole was considered wholly lazy. Sudden fury was accepted as part of manly valor, while plotting for one’s own security was thought a reasonable excuse for delaying action. A man who expressed anger was always to be trusted, while one who opposed him was under suspicion."
Any translation, especially one of a nearly forgotten language, is not just the authors words but the impression brought by the translator. And yet, I am always impressed with how a voice from long ago can speak so directly to us today.
Woodruff's work is easily read and well footnoted although some of his points become repetitive. I wished he had offered a bit more context on Thucydides' himself but I realize not a great deal is actually known.
Any translation, especially one of a nearly forgotten language, is not just the authors words but the impression brought by the translator. And yet, I am always impressed with how a voice from long ago can speak so directly to us today.
Woodruff's work is easily read and well footnoted although some of his points become repetitive. I wished he had offered a bit more context on Thucydides' himself but I realize not a great deal is actually known.
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Summary: Pericles fangirling over Athens
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Thuc certainly has his opinions on human nature. Most of them are correct. Fascinating history of the Peloponnesian war & how human reactions stem from fear.
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Illuminating
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Well done besides the author's refusal to entertain political science and philosophy
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Great for learning, but something that I wouldn't necessarily take on vacation. More like bedside reading.
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Ok I didn’t actually read the whole thing, but I read enough of it to say I did... and I actually kind of liked it... discussing it in class really made me feel like I got it and was really rewarding
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