Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft.

No definite record exists of how exactly Pericles managed to convince the residents of Attica to agree to move into the crowded urban areas. Pericles had such a profound influence on Athenian society that Thucydides his contemporary historian acclaimed him as "the first citizen of Athens". Pericles promoted the arts and literature; it is principally through his efforts that Athens holds the reputation of being the educational and cultural center of the ancient Greek world.

Pericles had such a profound influence on Athenian society that Thucydides his contemporary historian acclaimed him as "the first citizen of Athens". Pericles turned the Delian League into an Athenian empire and led his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War. Pericles (Greek: Περικλῆς Periklēs "surrounded by glory"; c.