The good life, a subjective Mecca for philosophers, is a source of discussion amongst all thinkers. It is a heaven-on-earth with a subjective tone to give philosophers a path to follow or lay the groundwork. The good life allows philosophers to encourage a path to follow. Dylan Thomas decided, “Dark is a way, light is a place.” The good life is aimed at providing as much light as possible. Groundwork on this idea was laid far before Thomas was born, but his phrase shows the contrast that philosophers tried to expel by living the light of life. It is necessary to recognize the circumstances and context in which each thinker arrived at their good life because it creates the backdrop for their light. There will never be exact replications of perfect scenarios because different thinkers utilize different methods for arriving at the truth, or the good life. Therefore, Pericles, Thucydides, Plato, Socrates and Aristotle all hold different accounts for how to lead the good life. Each holds the good life as a necessary understanding because it allows theory and optimism to be put in motion towards reality.
Pericles, a central orator in Thucydides’ Peloponnesian War, holds many inspirational truths and visions of the good life. As a leader of Athens, he held a responsibility to his citizens to share his ideal good life in order to clarify his intentions, but also to encourage support. “One must bear what comes from heaven with resignation and what comes from enemies with courage; this was in character for our city before, and let it have no opposition from you now.” It is a method aimed at arriving at a greater good because it promotes humility and sacrifice, essential elements of a soldier. Pericles’ good life correlates with his time spent on the battlefield, suggesting that paradise is a circumstantial, personal issue, which was rightly captured by Pericles’ author, Thucydides.
Thucydides juxtaposes first person with third person narrative writing, which...