Picture it: Athens, around 450 BCE. The air is buzzing with philosophical debates, the Acropolis is under construction, and one man—Pericles—stands at the helm of this intellectual and cultural explosion. He’s like the ancient world’s Steve Jobs, but instead of iPhones, he’s innovating democracy. Pericles wasn’t just another Athenian politician; he was the guy of the time. Statesman, general, visionary, and a man who thought a lot about how society should work—he’s the kind of historical figure who’d have podcasts made about him today.
But Pericles didn’t just govern Athens; he shaped its soul. And while he didn’t scribble down philosophical treatises like Socrates or Plato, his ideas—particularly about democracy and personal responsibility—have left a lasting imprint on philosophy. Let’s break down why this guy’s approach to life is still relevant and worth thinking about, especially if you’re into ideas of self-development and modern existentialist musings.
Pericles 101: Who Was This Guy?
Pericles was an Athenian statesman and general who lived during Athens’ Golden Age. Born into nobility, he had the platform to lead, but it was his ideas that made him stand out. He oversaw the construction of the Parthenon, expanded Athenian influence, and turned Athens into a beacon of democracy and culture. You know how certain cities today are synonymous with cultural renaissance (think Paris or New York)? Athens was the place to be, and that was largely thanks to Pericles.
He wasn’t a philosopher in the technical sense, but his leadership inspired centuries of philosophical thought about governance, justice, and how we live as individuals within society. His most famous moment in the spotlight was probably his “Funeral Oration,” which wasn’t just a speech; it was a vision for how to live a meaningful life in a democracy. Think of it as ancient TED Talk meets life-coaching session.
Democracy as a Philosophy of Life
Here’s the thing about Pericles: for him, democracy wasn’t just a political system; it was a way of life. The idea of democracy under Pericles was tied to personal responsibility—every citizen was expected to contribute to the greater good. It wasn’t enough to sit back and criticize the system; you had to actively participate in it. Citizenship was more than a birthright; it was a call to action.
In a modern sense, this could look like being involved in your local community, voting, or simply engaging in discourse that helps society evolve. Democracy, in Pericles’ eyes, was about the elevation of the human spirit through participation. It’s about being an active part of the world, not just a passive observer.
Think about it: we’re constantly faced with choices that either reinforce or challenge the systems around us. How we work, how we vote, how we connect with our communities—all of these choices echo Pericles’ call to personal responsibility. The question we face today is: are we engaging in democracy as a system, or are we living it as a philosophy of life, owning the impact of our individual actions?
Modern Democratic Struggles: Same Story, Different Era
Fast forward to today, and the democratic ideals Pericles championed are facing modern-day challenges. Social media, polarization, misinformation—all of these things complicate the democratic process. Pericles believed that every citizen had a duty to engage, but in today’s world, are we too distracted or divided to fulfill that responsibility?
Take, for instance, voter participation rates. We’ve got more tools than ever before to make informed decisions, yet many people are disengaged from the democratic process. Pericles would probably be baffled by the fact that, with so many ways to participate, so many choose not to. Or think about the erosion of trust in democratic institutions. Pericles believed in active participation as a way to foster trust and growth, but today, many people feel disconnected or even hostile toward their governments.
In Pericles’ time, democracy was about shared responsibility for the community’s success. Today, it can feel more like a tug-of-war between competing interests. But Pericles’ core message remains relevant: we are responsible not just for ourselves, but for the societies we inhabit. If we don’t engage, we’re handing over the reins.
But Wait… Pericles Wasn’t Perfect
Okay, time to pump the brakes a bit. Like any historical figure, Pericles wasn’t without his flaws. For starters, his vision of democracy wasn’t exactly inclusive. Women, slaves, and non-citizens didn’t get a seat at the table. So while Pericles championed the idea of shared responsibility, his concept of who got to share was, well, limited. It’s like throwing a party but only inviting your favorite friends while conveniently leaving out entire groups of people.
Critics of Pericles also point out that while he expanded democracy for the citizens of Athens, he also led the city into the Peloponnesian War, a conflict that ultimately weakened Athens and contributed to its downfall. His ambition and belief in Athenian superiority may have blinded him to the consequences of imperial overreach. In other words, he’s not the saintly father of democracy we sometimes imagine—he was a leader with political and military strategies that weren’t always well-thought-out for the long term.
Furthermore, Pericles was a strong believer in the intellectual and cultural superiority of Athens. This pride in Athens’ achievements led to tensions with other Greek city-states, contributing to conflicts like the Peloponnesian War. It’s a reminder that even when our ideas feel righteous, they can have unintended consequences if we don’t stay grounded in humility and a broader sense of fairness.
Why Pericles Still Matters
Despite his flaws, Pericles’ contributions to democracy as both a political system and a way of life have left a lasting legacy. He reminds us that we are not passive spectators in the world; we are active participants. His belief in the power of collective responsibility and individual action is echoed in both existentialism and positive psychology today. Life, according to Pericles, is about engaging with the world, not just existing in it.
In our hyper-connected, modern world, where distractions are endless and cynicism is on the rise, Pericles’ call to action—to be responsible citizens, to engage with our communities, and to contribute to something greater than ourselves—is still powerful. And while we might not be able to rebuild the Acropolis or inspire a Golden Age, we can take a page from Pericles’ playbook and make sure we’re actively participating in the world around us.
So the next time you’re feeling lost, disconnected, or frustrated with the state of things, ask yourself: How am I contributing? What can I do to live my life in a way that reflects responsibility, engagement, and a deeper connection to those around me?