Freedom Quote by Thucydides
““And do not imagine that what we are fighting for is simply the question of freedom or slavery: there is also involved the loss of our empire and the dangers arising from the hatred which we have incurred in administering it. Nor is it any longer possible for you to give up this empire, though there may be some people who in a mood of sudden panic and in a spirit of political apathy actually think that this would be a fine and noble thing to do. Your empire is now like a tyranny: it may have been wrong to take it; it is certainly dangerous to let it go.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War, Book 5, 411 BC
The loss of empire brings danger and moral decay; abandoning it may be worse than keeping a flawed power.
In simple terms: Losing empire is dangerous; keeping it also has risks.
Key Takeaway
Weigh moral costs before relinquishing power.
Themes
power
morality
imperialism
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- military strategy
- colonial withdrawal
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
political responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do leaders have when ending empire?
- Can a flawed empire ever be just?
A Different Perspective
Complexities of empire loss are often oversimplified.
