The wide difference between the two characters, the slowness and want of energy of the Spartans as contrasted with the dash and enterprise of their opponents, proved of the greatest service, especially to a maritime empire like Athens. Indeed this… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
The meaning of words had no longer the same relation to things... Reckless daring was held to be loyal courage; prudent delay was the excuse of a coward; moderation was the disguise of unmanly weakness; to know everything was to… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
It is the habit of mankind to entrust to careless hope what they long for, and to use sovereign reason to thrust aside what… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
Boasting and bravado may exist in the breast even of the coward, if he is successful through a mere lucky hit; but a just… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
And it is certain that those who do not yield to their equals, who keep terms with their superiors, and are moderate towards their… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept. — Thucydides Copy Share Image
It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position... — Thucydides Copy Share Image
War is an evil thing; but to submit to the dictation of other states is worse.... Freedom, if we hold fast to it, will… — Thucydides Copy Share Image
Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made. — Thucydides Copy Share Image
As for democracy, the men of sense among us knew what it was, and I perhaps as well as any, as I have more… — Thucydides Copy Share Image