"Fishes live in the sea, as men do on land: the great ones eat up the little ones"

Pericles draws a compelling comparison between life beneath the waves and the daily realities of human society. Just as in the ocean where small fish constantly face the risk of being devoured by larger predators, human societies operate on similar principles. Power dynamics shape interactions both among sea creatures and people: the powerful assert their dominance while the weak must navigate an environment defined by constant threats and uncertainty.

The ocean, vast and indifferent, offers no sanctuary to the vulnerable. Among men, the world of politics, economics, and social relations can often mirror that mercilessness. Laws, customs, and societal structures may offer some protection, but underlying these are innate drives and imbalanced forces that tend to favor those already possessing power, wealth, or status. The “great ones”, those with authority, resources, or cunning, frequently gain at the expense of the “little ones”, the less powerful, the vulnerable, or the marginalized.

Pericles’ observation points to an enduring truth about human nature: competition and hierarchy are age-old realities. From ancient Athens to modern times, the upper echelons of society accumulate resources and influence not only through merit or wisdom but often through the exploitation of those beneath them. This creates a social order that is constantly in flux, as the weaker aspire to ascend, and the strong endeavor to maintain their dominance.

By likening human society to a natural ecosystem, the statement evokes a sense of inevitability, as if these dynamics are woven into the very fabric of life. It serves as a sober reminder that, while civilization seeks to promote justice and equity, the instincts of predation, survival, and self-interest still pervade collective existence. Both awe and apprehension can arise from this realization: admiration for nature's grandeur, and caution about the realities of living among both literal and metaphorical predators.