40 pages • 1 hour read
On Justice Power and Human Nature
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
On Justice Power and Human Nature
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1874172
Book • Nonfiction
Ancient Greece • 5th century BCE
1874
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1993, Paul Woodruff’s Thucydides: On Justice, Power, and Human Nature, Selections from The History of the Peloponnesian War is a curated collection of translations from Thucydides’s work about the Peloponnesian War. Woodruff includes key speeches and debates such as Pericles’s Funeral Oration, the Mytilenean debate, and the Melian dialogue, and his summaries and excerpts explore themes of justice, power, and human nature. Topics covered include war, plague, and civil unrest.
Informative
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
On Justice Power and Human Nature by Paul Woodruff and Thucydides is praised for its accurate translation and insightful commentary, offering a profound understanding of Thucydides' work on political philosophy and human behavior. Some readers find it dense and challenging, but the intellectual rewards are widely recognized by scholars.
Who Should Read On Justice Power and Human Nature?
A reader fascinated by classical history, political philosophy, and the ethical dimensions of power would relish On Justice, Power, and Human Nature. Comparable works include Machiavelli's The Prince and Hobbes's Leviathan, ideal for those who appreciate profound insights into human behavior and governance.
Pericles
Pericles
An influential Athenian political leader known for promoting democracy and education, who delivers several significant speeches in the narrative. He is remembered for his leadership and observations on the state of Athens during the early years of the Peloponnesian War.
Nicias
Nicias
An Athenian general known for his cautious nature and efforts to maintain peace, particularly noted for opposing the Sicilian Expedition. Despite his virtues and intentions, he remains a tragic figure facing grave misfortune during the conflict.
Alcibiades
Alcibiades
A charismatic and controversial Athenian general notable for his persuasive oratory and ambitious nature. His advocacy for the Sicilian Expedition and complex allegiances serve as key elements in the unfolding events.
172
Book • Nonfiction
Ancient Greece • 5th century BCE
1874
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.