Question

Read the excerpt from Pericles’s funeral oration by Thucydides.


And, just as our political life is free and open, so is our day-to-day life in our relations with each other. We do not get into a state with our next-door neighbour if he enjoys himself in his own way, nor do we give him the kind of black looks which, though they do no real harm, still do hurt people’s feelings.

What is the main point of this excerpt?

It is important to pay attention to others’ feelings.
The people are accepting of those who think differently.
Personal relationships are more important than political ones.
Community members often have different opinions.

Answer 1

The people are accepting of those who think differently.

Explanation: Pericles emphasizes openness and tolerance in everyday relations—neighbors don’t quarrel or give hurtful looks when others enjoy themselves in their own way.