Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.
The words of Pericles, the great statesman of Athens, strike like a trumpet that awakens sleepers: “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.” In this saying, he reminds us that politics is not a distant game of rulers and councils, but the very force that shapes every life. To ignore it is folly, for laws, wars, and decrees will touch even those who pretend indifference. One may turn away from politics, but politics will not turn away from them.
The ancients knew this truth well. In Athens, the very word idiot?s was used to describe one who withdrew from public affairs, a private man who cared only for his own household. Such men were not praised for detachment, but scorned for cowardice, for in a democracy the city’s fate is bound to each citizen’s duty. Pericles, who led Athens through its golden age, knew that for the polis to flourish, all must engage—for apathy is the seed of tyranny.
Consider the story of those who ignored politics in the days before the Peloponnesian War. Many thought they could remain untouched by the quarrels of Athens and Sparta, living quietly while others decided the fate of nations. Yet soon their sons were called to fight, their fields burned, their wealth consumed by war. Politics “took an interest” in them, whether they willed it or not. Thus Pericles’ words are not only wisdom but prophecy, proven in the fire of history.
His saying also speaks beyond Athens. In every age, there are those who think themselves too busy, too weary, or too disillusioned to engage in public life. Yet rulers will still pass laws, armies will still march, and decisions will still shape the lives of the silent. To neglect politics is not to escape it, but to surrender one’s fate into the hands of others.
Let the generations remember: citizenship is not a burden but a shield. To engage in politics is to guard one’s own life, family, and future. Pericles’ wisdom is clear—turn away if you will, but the city will still claim you, and the consequences of governance will find you at your door. Better, then, to rise and take part, to lend your voice and strength, than to be ruled in silence. For politics spares no one, and only those who act may hope to shape their destiny.
GDGold D.dragon
Pericles’ quote underscores the importance of being involved in the political process. While it’s easy to dismiss politics as something that doesn’t concern us, it’s always at work in the background. This thought makes me reflect on how many people tend to avoid politics because of its complexity or negativity. But does avoiding it actually shield us from its consequences, or does it simply leave us more vulnerable to decisions we don’t agree with?
MTTran Minh Tri
Pericles’ observation feels incredibly relevant today. It seems like more and more people feel disconnected from politics, yet the decisions made in government affect everything from healthcare to education. Why do we let ourselves become so disengaged? Maybe the problem is that politics feels too complex or distant. But isn’t this exactly why we need to make the effort to understand it better, so we can have more control over the outcomes that impact our lives?
Ttram
This quote speaks to the passive consequences of ignoring politics. Pericles is right—just because we don’t pay attention to politics doesn’t mean it stops affecting us. Whether it's through taxes, laws, or social policies, politics reaches into every aspect of life. Could it be that we underestimate the long-term impact of staying disengaged? How can we foster a more active citizenry if so many remain uninterested in the political landscape?
HNTuan Hai Nguyen
Pericles’ words highlight the inevitability of politics, no matter how much we try to avoid it. It makes me think about how often people choose to ignore politics because it feels overwhelming or disconnected from their daily lives. But can we really afford to ignore it? If politics is constantly shaping our world, shouldn’t we make more of an effort to engage with it, even in small ways, to ensure our voices are heard?
NVNguyen Nho Van
This quote strikes me as both a warning and a call to action. It implies that politics is inescapable, whether we choose to engage or not. While it’s tempting to stay away from political discussions, I wonder if we sometimes underestimate how much political decisions influence our lives. Shouldn’t we be more proactive in understanding the systems that govern us, even if they feel out of our control?