In Thucydides' account of events and their interpretation, there is nothing metaphysical. He insists that human nature ("the human aspect") is the constant factor that accounts for historical events.

From superficial phenomena, he seeks the underlying causes that act beneath the surface of events. Thucydides’ work carries the hallmark of the philosopher Anaxagoras: “the appearance of the obscure in phenomena” (from the superficial “appearance,” we can see what is not visible).

Moreover, the man who acts for Thucydides is above all the politician, the dynamic citizen of the particular city, followed by the generals.

Capable politicians and generals are those who can assess the strengths and weaknesses of their city, but also who can calculate the capabilities of their opponents.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]