"The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept"

Thucydides' quote, "The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they need to accept", encapsulates a plain realist view of power characteristics and humanity, showing themes widespread in his historical accounts, especially in "The History of the Peloponnesian War". This quote succinctly conveys the concept that power and strength frequently dictate actions and outcomes, leaving those who lack power with little choice but to acquiesce to circumstances enforced upon them by the more powerful celebrations.

In its essence, the quote emphasizes the inevitability of power hierarchies in human interactions, whether at the level of people, states, or societies. The "strong" are those who possess the ways, whether military, economic, or political, to shape occasions and determine terms. Their actions are driven by requirement and the chances afforded by their strength. This can be analyzed as a commentary on the practical and, sometimes, callous nature of realpolitik, where may often makes right, and moral or ethical factors to consider might be secondary to survival or aspiration.

On the other hand, the "weak" are represented as those lacking company, resigned to acquiescence due to their inability to challenge the status quo. This resignation is not voluntary however rather enforced by the restraints of their circumstance. In this context, the weak are forced to accept the truths determined by the effective, highlighting themes of vulnerability and inevitability in power disparities.

Thucydides' observations can likewise be seen as a classic reflection on human behavior and global relations, fulfilling his role as a historian instead of a moralist. He presents a world governed by power dynamics, highlighting the persistent struggle in between may and right, and provoking readers to think about the ethical implications of such a worldview. Eventually, the quote challenges us to review the nature of power, the obligations of those who wield it, and the plight of those who suffer its lack, inviting continuous dialogue about justice, morality, and equality in the tapestry of human society.