"Not houses finely roofed or the stones of walls well builded, nay nor canals and dockyards make the city, but men able to use their opportunity"

Alcaeus considers the essence of a city to lie not in its impressive architecture, infrastructure, or even the visible markers of prosperity, but fundamentally in the character and capabilities of its people. He dismisses the superficial aspects that often mesmerize the casual observer, well-constructed homes, strong walls, elaborate canals, and busy docks, acknowledging them as mere trappings rather than the core of civic greatness. His emphasis shifts attention from material achievements to the human element, claiming that it is people, their values, resourcefulness, and ability to recognize and act upon opportunities, who endow a city with real substance, stability, and endurance.

Civilizations throughout history have often celebrated grand constructions as testaments to their greatness, yet Alcaeus recognizes that such achievements are only the byproducts of collective human effort and wisdom. The strength and resilience of a community come from its capacity to engage with challenges, adapt, and make the most of changing circumstances. A city with magnificent walls is still vulnerable if its citizens are apathetic, divided, or complacent. Conversely, even a modest settlement can flourish and persist if its inhabitants are enterprising and united. Alcaeus’s message is a critique of complacency and a call for civic virtue, placing a premium on active participation, adaptability, and vision.

The passage suggests that opportunities, whether in crisis or in routine commerce, are the lifeblood of collective progress. The health of a society rests on the willingness of its members to step up, to collaborate, and to transform potential into achievement. The built environment, as impressive as it may be, is hollow without the animating spirit of a civic-minded populace. Alcaeus prompts consideration of what sustains a community: the enduring quality of its people, rather than the temporary shine of its monuments.