"Do you see how the god always hurls his bolts at the greatest houses and the tallest trees. For he is wont to thwart whatever is greater than the rest"

This quote by Herodotus is a reflection on the power of the gods and their capability to impact the lives of people. It recommends that the gods are not objective and rather target those who are more powerful or successful than others. The quote indicates that the gods are envious of those who have attained more than others and utilize their power to bring them down. This might be interpreted as a cautioning to those who succeed to be humble and not to take their success for granted, as the gods might be viewing and might bring them down. It could likewise be seen as a tip that nobody is invincible which even the most powerful can be reduced by forces beyond their control. Ultimately, this quote acts as a reminder that the gods are powerful and should not be taken lightly.