Quote by Hesiod: “The gods have hidden from men the means of subsistence.”

Hesiod suggests that life's necessities are not freely given but require effort and ingenuity to acquire through human labor. This idea implies that humans must constantly strive and work hard to survive and thrive, as resources are not effortlessly available from divine providence.

During a period when ancient Greek society was developing its foundational myths and ethical frameworks, Hesiod explored the relationship between human effort, divine will, and the challenges of daily existence in an agrarian society.

Ancient Greek poet who was active around 700 BCE and is considered one of the two earliest Greek poets whose work survives, alongside Homer. His two major works — Theogony and Works and Days — address the origins of the gods and practical moral guidance for daily life. He was one of the first Greek writers to speak in his own voice.