Skip to content

You see, O Greeks! The enemy already acknowledge the…

“You see, O Greeks! The enemy already acknowledge the country to be ours; for when they made peace with us, they stipulated that we should not burn the country belonging to the king, and now they set fire to it themselves, as if they looked upon it no longer as their own.” quote by Xenophon
Download Open image
“You see, O Greeks! The enemy already acknowledge the country to be ours; for when they made peace with us, they stipulated that we should not burn the country belonging to the king, and now they set fire to it themselves, as if they looked upon it no longer as their own.”

Xenophon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The enemy claims the land as theirs but then destroys it, showing hypocrisy and betrayal.

In simple terms: They claim ownership then ruin it.

Key Takeaway

Beware of those who betray their promises.

Themes

hypocrisy betrayal politics

Mood

cautious skeptical

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • military negotiations
  • territorial disputes
  • political rhetoric

Key Concepts

ownership trust deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motives could justify such betrayal?
  • How can one protect against double‑talk?
A Different Perspective

Their actions may be driven by desperation, not just deceit.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Xenophon

Explore all 43 Xenophon quotes

More Belonging quotes

Browse all 876 Belonging quotes