Common Quote by Thucydides
“It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter.”
About This Quote
Source History: The Peloponnesian War, 5th century BC
Rushing into conflict without proper planning leads to avoidable disaster.
In simple terms: Act wisely, not hastily.
Key Takeaway
Plan before you act.
Themes
war
strategy
decision‑making
preparation
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- military planning
- political negotiations
- crisis management
- policy making
Key Concepts
historical analysis
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can you take to ensure thorough analysis?
- When is it acceptable to act quickly?
A Different Perspective
Hasty actions can be driven by emotion or pressure, limiting foresight.
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