Fair Quote by Thucydides
““And yet, Lacedaemonians, you still delay, and fail to see that peace stays longest with those, who are not more careful to use their power justly than to show their determination not to submit to injustice. On the contrary, your ideal of fair dealing is based on the principle that, if you do not injure others, you need not risk your own fortunes in preventing others from injuring you.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War, 5th century BC
Peace endures when societies act justly and avoid unnecessary aggression, rather than seeking power for its own sake.
In simple terms: Fairness sustains peace more than force.
Key Takeaway
Practice justice to maintain peace.
Themes
ethics
peace
justice
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- statecraft
- conflict resolution
- diplomacy
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
political theory
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance power and fairness?
- What risks arise when justice is ignored?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misused; idealism may clash with realpolitik.
