Why did fifth-century BCE Greeks not see themselves as at the mercy of the gods?

Fifth-century BCE Greeks began to view themselves as active participants in shaping their own destinies rather than being entirely at the mercy of the gods. This shift was influenced by the rise of rational thought, philosophy, and democracy, which emphasized human agency and reason. The increasing importance of individual virtue and civic responsibility in city-states like Athens fostered a belief in personal and collective empowerment. Additionally, advancements in science and the examination of natural phenomena encouraged a more secular perspective on life, reducing the perceived omnipotence of the gods.