* A shift away from myth-based explanations: While earlier cultures relied heavily on myths and divine intervention to explain natural phenomena, the Greeks, particularly from the 6th century BC onward (the pre-Socratics), began a conscious effort to find rational, natural explanations. This was a profound shift in human thought. Myths, while offering comfort and a sense of order, didn't satisfy a growing intellectual curiosity about *how* things worked.
* Emphasis on reason and observation: The Greeks valued *logos* – reason, logic, and rational discourse – as a powerful tool for understanding the world. Philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes began to propose naturalistic explanations for events like earthquakes and eclipses, replacing supernatural accounts with theories based on observation and deduction (even if these early theories were often inaccurate by modern standards).
* The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake: The Greeks developed a strong intellectual culture that valued the pursuit of knowledge not just for practical application, but for its intrinsic value. Understanding the world, even if it didn't immediately solve a problem, became a worthwhile goal in itself. This intellectual curiosity fueled the quest to understand even the seemingly unexplainable.
* Desire for control and predictability: By understanding the underlying principles governing the universe, the Greeks hoped to gain a sense of control and predictability over their lives. If natural events could be understood and predicted, then perhaps they could be better managed or at least their impact mitigated.
* A flourishing of intellectual discourse: The rise of the polis (city-state) fostered a culture of debate and discussion. Public spaces like the agora provided venues for intellectual exchange, encouraging the questioning of established beliefs and the formulation of new ideas. This environment was fertile ground for challenging traditional myths and seeking rational explanations.
In short, the Greeks' drive to explain the unexplainable was a complex interplay of intellectual curiosity, a burgeoning commitment to reason, a desire for control, and the socio-political environment that nurtured such intellectual exploration. This pursuit marked a pivotal moment in human history, laying the foundations for scientific inquiry and philosophical thought.