Melian Dialogue (in Thucydides)
Melian Dialogue (Book V, chs. 84–116) from History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides
Athenians:
Since we are not come to make a display of speech, or to argue with you at length in a matter where the decision is already certain, but rather to secure our own interests and not to be misled by fine phrases, we shall begin. We know that you, as well as we, are aware that right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.
Melians:
As we think, at any rate, it is expedient—we speak as we are obliged, since you enjoin us to exclude justice from our discussion—to be allowed to speak about our own preservation and not to be compelled to accept everything you say.
Athenians:
Very good. We will not insist on our right to empire, or talk of the wrong you have done us in not joining our alliance, though we conquered the Medes, or of the injuries which you have inflicted; we shall confine ourselves to what is expedient.
Melians:
Then you admit that justice has some meaning?
Athenians:
Between equals in power justice is relevant; between the unequal it is only a question of advantage.
Melians:
Then surely we are at liberty to consider what is expedient for us.
Athenians:
And we too what is expedient for us.
Melians:
You say that we must submit, and that this is expedient for us?
Athenians:
Yes; because your submission will save you from destruction, and our empire will be strengthened by your subjection.
Melians:
Is it not expedient for you to leave us neutral rather than make us enemies?
Athenians:
No; your neutrality would be taken as a sign of weakness, and your hostility as a sign of power.
Melians:
Is that your interest?
Athenians:
Yes; for if you are allowed to remain neutral, others will think that we are unable to coerce you.
Melians:
Yet we are islanders and have done you no wrong.
Athenians:
That is not the point. If we allow you to exist independent of us, it will be thought that we fear you.
Melians:
So you would destroy a city that has never injured you?
Athenians:
We should not destroy you if you submit. But if you resist, your destruction will be necessary to our reputation.
Melians:
You are putting expediency above justice.
Athenians:
In matters of empire, justice follows power.
Melians:
But is there no danger that you may overreach yourselves?
Athenians:
No; for by a law of nature, wherever there is power, there is rule. We did not make this law, nor were we the first to act upon it; we found it existing before us, and shall leave it to exist for ever after us.
Melians:
You say that even the gods act by this law?
Athenians:
Yes; of the gods we believe, and of men we know, that they rule wherever they can.
Melians:
Then you justify injustice by necessity.
Athenians:
We justify rule by necessity.
Melians:
Then what is left for us but to appeal to hope?
Athenians:
Hope is a dangerous thing, and those who depend on her often ruin themselves when she fails.
Melians:
Yet hope has saved many.
Athenians:
When backed by power. Not when it is opposed to power.
Melians:
We trust in the gods, who will aid the just.
Athenians:
We have no fear of the gods; for our conduct is not contrary to what men believe of the gods, nor to what they know of one another.
Melians:
Then we trust in the Spartans, who are bound by ties of kinship to assist us.
Athenians:
The Spartans are cautious. They help their friends only when it is safe and profitable.
Melians:
But they are honorable.
Athenians:
Honor and interest often pull in different directions; and the Spartans are guided by interest.
Melians:
If we yield, we lose everything; if we resist, we may yet survive.
Athenians:
Submission means the preservation of your city; resistance means destruction.
Melians:
But if we surrender, we lose our freedom.
Athenians:
Freedom is only possible for those who are strong enough to defend it.
Melians:
Then we are resolved to defend ourselves, trusting in fortune, the gods, and the Spartans.
Athenians:
Then we warn you not to be deceived by hope or by a false sense of honor. The contest is not equal.
Athens destroyed the city and killed all the men, enslaving the women and children. Melos was settled by Athenian colonists and ceased to exist.
