In the annals of human history, few figures cast a shadow as long or as luminous as Pericles, the celebrated statesman who shepherded Athens into its Golden Age. Born around 495 BC into the aristocracy, the son of the hero Xanthippus and the niece of the reformer Cleisthenes, Pericles seemed destined for greatness, yet he chose a path that diverged sharply from the traditional oligarchy of his peers. He emerged not merely as a general or a politician, but as the physical and intellectual embodiment of the Athenian spirit during the 5th century BC. His era, often termed the "Periclean Age," was a time when the human mind broke its fetters, giving rise to unprecedented achievements in art, architecture, drama, and philosophy. It was Pericles who envisioned the Acropolis not just as a citadel, but as a monument to democratic supremacy, commissioning the Parthenon to stand as an eternal testament to the goddess Athena and the city she protected.
However, the life of Pericles was defined by more than marble and rhetoric; it was a constant, grueling struggle to maintain a fragile experiment called democracy amidst the fires of war and internal strife. He navigated the treacherous waters of the Delian League, transforming a voluntary alliance against Persia into an Athenian empire, a move that brought immense wealth to his city but stoked the resentment of Sparta. His leadership was tested to its breaking point during the Peloponnesian War, where he championed a strategy of endurance that demanded immense sacrifice from his people. Even as the Great Plague of Athens ravaged the population—claiming his sister, his sons, and eventually Pericles himself in 429 BC—he remained the stoic voice of reason, urging citizens to place the glory of the state above personal grief. His philosophy was grounded in the belief that the individual flourishes only when the polis thrives, a radical notion that linked personal happiness inextricably to civic freedom and responsibility.
The genesis of his philosophy lay in the conviction that merit, not birth, should dictate one's standing, and that discussion was not a stumbling block to action but an indispensable preliminary to any wise decision. Through the lens of history, we see a man who was arguably the first "First Citizen," a leader who ruled by the consent of the masses while elevating their tastes and intellect. He did not pander to the basest instincts of the mob; rather, he sought to educate them, famously declaring Athens the "School of Hellas." As we delve into his wisdom, we uncover the blueprint of Western civilization itself, forged in the heat of the assembly and the cool shadows of the Stoa.
50 Popular Quotes from Pericles
The Essence of Democracy and Civic Duty
"We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say that he has no business here at all."
This is perhaps the most definitive statement regarding the Athenian concept of citizenship. Pericles argues that political apathy is not a neutral stance but a dereliction of duty that renders an individual useless to the state. In the context of direct democracy, participation was not merely a right but an existential requirement for the functioning of the polis. By asserting this, he shames the indifferent and elevates civic engagement to a moral imperative.
"Our constitution is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people."
Here, Pericles defines the unique nature of the Athenian experiment, contrasting it with the oligarchies and monarchies surrounding them. He emphasizes that the legitimacy of the state derives from the collective will of the populace rather than a select elite. This quote serves as a foundational definition of democratic governance, highlighting inclusivity as its core strength. It reminds the citizens that they are the architects of their own destiny.
"When it is a question of settling private disputes, everyone is equal before the law."
Pericles introduces the concept of isonomia, or equality before the law, which is a pillar of Western legal tradition. He assures the people that despite economic or social differences, justice remains blind and accessible to all. This assertion was revolutionary in a world dominated by tribal favoritism and aristocratic privilege. It reinforces the stability of the state by guaranteeing fair treatment for every citizen.
"Just as our political life is free and open, so is our day-to-day life in our relations with each other."
This observation extends the concept of liberty from the political sphere into the social realm. Pericles suggests that a true democracy fosters a culture of tolerance where citizens do not police each other’s private habits with suspicion. It implies that political freedom naturally leads to social ease and a lack of resentment among neighbors. This paints Athens as a cosmopolitan and liberal society compared to the rigid regimentation of Sparta.
"We are free and tolerant in our private lives; but in public affairs we keep to the law."
Pericles draws a crucial distinction between personal liberty and public order, striking a balance that prevents anarchy. He argues that tolerance in private matters does not equate to lawlessness; rather, respect for the law is what allows private freedom to exist. This quote highlights the self-discipline required in a democracy. It suggests that obedience to the magistrate and the laws is a voluntary act of respect, not a submission to tyranny.
"Advancement in public life falls to reputation for capacity, class considerations not being allowed to interfere with merit."
This is a clear articulation of meritocracy, rejecting the idea that lineage determines capability. Pericles champions the idea that talent and hard work should be the only criteria for leadership and public office. This philosophy opened the doors for capable men of lower birth to rise, thereby strengthening the state with the best available minds. It serves as a critique of the rigid class structures found in rival states.
"Nor does poverty interfere; if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition."
Building on the concept of meritocracy, Pericles specifically addresses economic barriers to political participation. By introducing pay for jury duty and other public services, he ensured that the poor could afford to participate in governance. This quote validates the worth of the common citizen and rejects wealth as a prerequisite for wisdom. It is a powerful statement on the inclusivity of the Athenian vision.
"We decide or debate, carefully and in person, all matters of policy, holding not that words and deeds go ill together, but that acts are foredoomed to failure when undertaken undiscussed."
Pericles defends the democratic process of debate against critics who claimed it caused delays and indecision. He posits that rational discourse is the necessary foundation for effective action, distinguishing blind impulsiveness from calculated bravery. This quote elevates the Agora and the Assembly as the engines of Athenian power. It frames deliberation as a strategic advantage rather than a bureaucratic hurdle.
"A man may be personally ever so well off, and yet if his country be ruined he must be ruined with it."
This quote underscores the interdependence of the individual and the collective. Pericles warns against the foolishness of prioritizing private wealth over the safety of the state, for if the ship sinks, all passengers drown regardless of their cabin class. It is a call for unity and sacrifice, reminding citizens that their personal fortunes are tethered to the fate of Athens. It promotes a holistic view of societal well-being.
"The individual is flourishing only when the whole country is flourishing."
Reiterating the symbiotic relationship between citizen and state, this maxim encourages a macro-perspective on prosperity. Pericles argues that personal success is fragile and temporary without the protective structure of a strong, successful nation. It serves as an argument against selfishness and factionalism. This principle was essential in convincing Athenians to endure the hardships of the Peloponnesian War.
Courage and Military Valor
"Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it."
Pericles connects the abstract concept of liberty with the tangible necessity of martial valor. He asserts that freedom is not a gift but a prize that must be constantly won and guarded by brave men. This quote serves as a rallying cry, stripping away the illusion that peace can exist without the strength to enforce it. It places the burden of freedom squarely on the shoulders of the citizenry.
"Make up your minds that happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous."
This famous syllogism links the ultimate human goal—happiness—to the martial virtue of courage. Pericles suggests a chain of causality: there is no happiness in servitude, and avoiding servitude requires the willingness to fight. It acts as a psychological fortification for soldiers facing death, framing their sacrifice as the purchase price for their families' happiness. It is a profound philosophical justification for war in defense of the homeland.
"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."
Here, Pericles defines true courage not as ignorance of fear, but as action despite knowledge of the danger. He contrasts the intelligent bravery of the Athenians with the drilled, mindless discipline of the Spartans. This quote celebrates the intellectual fortitude of the citizen-soldier who chooses to fight rather than being coerced. It elevates the moral status of the Athenian warrior.
"Grief is felt not so much for the want of what we have never known, as for the loss of that to which we have been long accustomed."
In addressing the bereaved, Pericles acknowledges the deep pain of losing the prosperity and peace one once enjoyed. He validates the suffering of the families while subtly reminding them that their loss is the price of having lived a good life in a great city. This quote shows his empathetic understanding of human psychology. It frames the sacrifice of the fallen as a defense of a cherished way of life.
"For heroes have the whole earth for their tomb."
Pericles elevates the memory of the fallen soldiers beyond the physical confines of a graveyard. He suggests that the reputation of brave men transcends borders and is written in the unwritten history of humanity. This poetic sentiment offers immortality to those who die for the state, promising that their legacy will be respected even in foreign lands. It turns the act of dying for Athens into a transcendent glory.
"Their story is not graven only on stone over their native earth, but lives on far away, without visible symbol, woven into the stuff of other men's lives."
Expanding on the idea of a global legacy, this quote emphasizes that true monuments are memories and influences, not marble statues. Pericles assures the families of the dead that their loved ones' actions have rippled through history. It suggests that the spirit of heroism inspires future generations universally. This offers a spiritual consolation that outlasts physical memorials.
"Do not look on the prospect of war with eyes of fear, but with eyes of determination."
Pericles urges the citizens to shift their perspective from passive dread to active resolve. He understands that fear is paralyzing, while determination mobilizes the spirit and the resources of the city. This quote is a command for emotional discipline in the face of the Spartan threat. It calls for a stoic acceptance of the necessity of conflict.
"It is not the walls or the ships that make the city, but the men."
While Pericles was a great builder, he recognized that the true strength of Athens lay in its human capital. This quote prioritizes the spirit and character of the populace over physical fortifications. It implies that a city can survive the destruction of its buildings, but not the corruption of its citizens. It is a timeless reminder of the value of human resources.
"To famous men all the earth is a sepulcher."
A variation of his earlier sentiment, this quote reinforces the idea that greatness cannot be contained by geography. It suggests that the renown of the Athenian dead is so vast that the entire world acts as their resting place. This appeals to the Greek desire for *kleos*, or eternal glory. It serves to comfort the grieving by magnifying the stature of the lost.
"We must not fall behind our fathers, who won this empire by their toil and their blood."
Pericles invokes the memory of the ancestors—the generation of Marathon and Salamis—to shame the living into action. He argues that squandering an inheritance is more shameful than failing to acquire one. This quote leverages intergenerational pressure to maintain the empire. It frames the current war as a duty to the past as much as to the future.
The Glory of Athens: Art and Culture
"We are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes."
Pericles famously characterizes the Athenian aesthetic as one of elegance without extravagance. He argues that their love for art and beauty does not lead to softness or moral decay. This quote defends the cultural spending on the Parthenon and other works against critics who favored Spartan austerity. It defines the Athenian ideal of balance and refined appreciation.
"We cultivate the mind without loss of manliness."
This is a direct rebuttal to the Spartan view that intellectual pursuits weaken the warrior spirit. Pericles asserts that philosophy and the arts coexist with, and indeed enhance, martial vigor. It presents the Athenian man as the complete human being—scholar and soldier combined. This ideal of the "Renaissance Man" predates the Renaissance by two millennia.
"Future ages will wonder at us, as the present age wonders at us now."
Pericles possessed a keen awareness of history and Athens' place within it. He predicts that the achievements of his era—the buildings, the drama, the democracy—will stand as a marvel for all time. This quote is a self-fulfilling prophecy that justifies the immense effort and cost of his building programs. It reveals his ambition to create a legacy that transcends time.
"Athens is the school of Hellas."
In this bold declaration, Pericles positions Athens not just as a political leader, but as the intellectual and cultural center of the Greek world. He claims that other city-states look to Athens for guidance in art, law, and philosophy. This quote encapsulates the cultural hegemony of Athens during the Golden Age. It frames the city as the teacher of mankind.
"Our city is open to the world, and we have no periodical deportations in order to prevent people observing or finding out secrets."
Pericles prides himself on the openness of Athenian society compared to the xenophobic secrecy of Sparta. He argues that Athens is strong enough to welcome foreigners and ideas without fear of espionage undermining them. This quote celebrates cosmopolitanism and the free exchange of knowledge. It suggests that transparency is a sign of strength, not weakness.
"We throw open our city to the world, and never by alien acts exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing."
Reiterating the theme of openness, this quote highlights Athens as a hub of international commerce and thought. Pericles believes that the influx of different perspectives enriches the city rather than threatening it. It stands in stark contrast to the isolationist policies of rival states. This attitude fostered the intellectual explosion of the 5th century.
"Wealth we employ more for use than for show, and place the real disgrace of poverty not in owning to the fact but in declining the struggle against it."
Pericles addresses the Athenian attitude toward money: it is a tool for achieving greatness, not merely a status symbol. He also destigmatizes poverty, stating that being poor is not shameful, but failing to work to improve one's lot is. This promotes an ethos of industry and social mobility. It encourages citizens to be active economic agents.
"Our daring is no less distinctive; for we are the people who at once think and act."
This quote bridges the gap between the cultural and the martial. Pericles claims that the Athenian habit of critical thinking makes their daring more impressive because it is calculated. It celebrates the synthesis of intellect and action that defined the Golden Age. It suggests that true bravery is an act of the will informed by the mind.
"Mighty indeed are the marks and monuments of our empire which we have left."
Pericles refers here to the physical manifestations of Athenian power, such as the Long Walls and the Parthenon. He uses these tangible achievements as proof of the city's greatness. This quote serves as a justification for the appropriation of Delian League funds for beautifying the city. It argues that the aesthetic legacy is a component of imperial power.
"We have forced every sea and land to be the highway of our daring."
This quote celebrates the adventurous and expansionist spirit of Athens. Pericles reminds the people of their naval dominance and their commercial reach. It portrays the world as a stage for Athenian ambition. It is a testament to the thalassocracy (sea power) that fueled the Golden Age.
Leadership and Character
"Time is the wisest counselor of all."
Pericles acknowledges the limits of immediate human perception and the clarifying power of time. This quote suggests a patience in leadership, waiting for the right moment rather than rushing into folly. It reflects his strategy of exhaustion against Sparta—waiting them out rather than meeting them in open field battle. It is a maxim of prudence.
"Wait for the wisest of all counselors, Time."
A variation of the previous thought, this emphasizes the active decision to pause and reflect. Pericles advises against the heat of passion dictating policy. It portrays him as the "Olympian," detached and far-seeing, unaffected by the temporary hysteria of the crowd. It is a call for strategic patience.
"He who knows and cannot express what he knows is as he who knows not."
Pericles places immense value on rhetoric and the ability to communicate ideas. He argues that wisdom is useless if it cannot be articulated to persuade others. This quote explains why oratory was the primary tool of leadership in Athens. It underscores the necessity of communication skills for any public figure.
"A man who has the knowledge but lacks the power clearly to express it is no better off than if he never had any ideas at all."
Expanding on the importance of oratory, this quote suggests that leadership requires both intellect and eloquence. Pericles implies that the failure to persuade is a failure of leadership. It serves as a motivation for young Athenians to study rhetoric and logic. It validates the Sophist movement which taught these skills.
"I am the same man and do not alter; it is you who change, since in fact you took my advice while unhurt, and waited for hurt to repent."
Spoken during the plague when the Athenians turned against him, this quote demonstrates Pericles' steadfastness. He refuses to apologize for a strategy that was sound, blaming the people's fickleness on their suffering. It shows his strength of character and refusal to pander. It highlights the burden of leadership when things go wrong.
"You are angry with me, a man who is, I think, inferior to no one in foresight."
In a moment of self-defense, Pericles asserts his intellectual superiority and foresight. He reminds the people that they chose him for his vision, and that vision remains valid despite current hardships. This quote reveals the necessary ego of a great statesman. It is a demand for respect based on a proven track record.
"To be a leader is to be a servant of the public good, not a slave to public opinion."
While paraphrased from his actions, this sentiment captures Pericles' approach to governance. He believed in guiding the demos, not merely following their whims. This distinction is crucial for understanding his longevity in office. It defines the difference between a statesman and a demagogue.
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."
This quote reflects on the nature of influence and legacy. Pericles suggests that true leadership is measured by the impact on people's lives, not just physical structures. It speaks to the educational aspect of his rule. It humanizes the concept of power.
"Envy is the companion of success."
Pericles was well aware that his position and Athens' power attracted jealousy. He warns that hatred from others is a natural byproduct of greatness. This quote advises resilience in the face of criticism. It frames envy as a validation of achievement rather than a reason for shame.
"Hatred and unpopularity at the moment have fallen to the lot of all who have aspired to rule others."
Here, Pericles accepts the inevitability of resentment as the cost of empire. He tells the Athenians that they cannot enjoy the benefits of power without accepting the hatred it engenders. This quote is a lesson in realpolitik. It urges the citizens to have a thick skin.
Life, Death, and the Human Condition
"The whole earth is the sepulcher of famous men."
Repeating this profound sentiment in a philosophical context, Pericles suggests that great souls transcend their physical bodies. It implies that the impact of a life is not limited by mortality. This offers a secular form of immortality based on reputation and memory. It is a comforting thought for those facing the abyss of death.
"It is only the love of honor that never grows old."
Pericles argues that while physical strength and senses fade with age, the desire for respect and honor remains vibrant. He suggests that this pursuit gives meaning to old age. This quote elevates the concept of honor above material pleasure. It speaks to the Greek obsession with *timé* (honor).
"And honor it is, not gain, as some would have it, that rejoices the heart of age and helplessness."
Continuing the thought, he contrasts the base desire for money with the noble desire for honor. He argues that in the end, wealth offers less comfort than a good reputation. This serves as a moral instruction to the youth to prioritize character over profit. It reinforces the aristocratic ideal of nobility.
"One's sense of honor is the only thing that does not grow old."
This variation emphasizes the permanence of character. Pericles suggests that while the body decays, the integrity of the soul remains untouched by time. It is a stoic reminder of what truly matters in the human experience. It encourages a life lived in pursuit of virtue.
"Happiness depends on being free."
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the Athenian worldview. Pericles posits that a life without liberty is a life of misery, regardless of material comfort. It justifies the immense sacrifices made for democracy. It identifies freedom as the root of all psychological well-being.
"For a man's counsel cannot have equal weight or worth, when he has no children to risk in the general danger."
Pericles argues that those with families have a greater stake in the future and thus possess a more grounded perspective. He suggests that having "skin in the game" is essential for responsible decision-making. This quote reflects the importance of the family unit in the stability of the state. It questions the judgment of those who have nothing to lose.
"The unwritten laws which bring shame on those who break them."
Pericles refers to the moral code that exists beyond written statutes—the universal sense of right and wrong. He argues that a civilized society is governed as much by social conscience as by decrees. This quote highlights the importance of shame as a social regulator. It appeals to the higher nature of the citizens.
"We do not look upon discussion as a stumbling-block in the way of action."
Revisiting the theme of intellect, Pericles asserts that thinking does not paralyze; it empowers. He rejects the notion that the intellectual life is passive. This quote defends the Athenian character against the charge of being "all talk." It champions the active mind.
"To avow poverty with us is no disgrace; the true disgrace is in doing nothing to avoid it."
This reiteration focuses on personal agency. Pericles insists that the human condition is improvable through effort. It rejects fatalism regarding social station. It is a call to industriousness and self-reliance.
"Whatever is sudden is the most difficult to handle."
Pericles acknowledges the shock of the unexpected, likely referring to the plague or sudden military reversals. He advises that mental preparation is the only defense against the caprice of fortune. This quote reveals a stoic acceptance of the unpredictability of life. It urges constant vigilance.
The Legacy of the First Citizen
The death of Pericles in 429 BC marked the end of an epoch, yet the fire he kindled never truly extinguished. He left behind a city that was physically transformed by the Parthenon and intellectually revolutionized by the thinkers he nurtured. However, his legacy is complex. His imperial ambitions undoubtedly accelerated the conflict that would eventually bring Athens to its knees, and his strategy of withdrawing behind the Long Walls, while logically sound, created the incubator for the plague that decimated his people. Yet, without Pericles, the very concept of "Western Civilization" might look radically different. He proved that a state could be ruled by the collective wisdom of its citizens, that art and power could coexist, and that the state exists to enable the flourishing of the individual.
Today, as we walk through the ruins of the Acropolis or debate the merits of democracy in our own legislative halls, we are walking in the footsteps of Pericles. His funeral oration remains the most eloquent defense of democracy ever written, a standard against which all free societies are measured. He taught us that the price of liberty is courage and that the measure of a life is its contribution to the common good. In a world often tempted by the efficiency of autocracy, the voice of Pericles echoes across the millennia, reminding us that we are free only so long as we are willing to shoulder the burden of that freedom.
"What do you think? Was Pericles a champion of the people or an imperialist who overreached? Tell us in the comments below!"
Recommendations
If you enjoyed exploring the mind of Pericles, you will find great value in these similar figures on Quotyzen.com:
1. Solon: The great lawgiver of Athens who laid the very foundations upon which Pericles would later build. His poetry and reforms regarding justice and debt relief are essential for understanding the roots of democracy.
2. Demosthenes: The fiery orator who came generations after Pericles, representing the last great stand of Athenian democracy against the rising power of Macedon. His speeches offer a passionate defense of the liberty Pericles cherished.
3. Marcus Aurelius: The Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. Like Pericles, he bore the immense weight of ruling a vast empire while maintaining a deep commitment to philosophy, duty, and the service of the public good.