Advantage Quote by Thucydides
“There is, however, no advantage in reflections on the past further than may be of service to the present. For the future we must provide by maintaining what the present gives us and redoubling our efforts; it is hereditary to us to win virtue as the fruit of labour, and you must not change the habit, even though you should have a slight advantage in wealth and resources; for it is not right that what was won in want should be lost in plenty.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, 5th century BC
Past reflection should serve present action; maintain current gains and work harder to achieve virtue, not waste resources on past losses.
In simple terms: Use past wisely, focus on present and future effort.
Key Takeaway
Maintain effort, avoid losing earned virtue.
Themes
history
virtue
effort
resource management
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- personal development
- resource allocation
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Stoicism
ethical continuity
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance learning from history with present action?
- What habits ensure virtue persists?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting past lessons can repeat mistakes.
![“[I]n Great-Britain it is said that their constitution relies on the house of commons for honesty, and the lords for wisdom; whichwould be a rational reliance if honesty were to be bought with money, and if wisdom were hereditary.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/033/thomas-jefferson-43_britain_i-n-great-britain-it-is-said-that-their_143406.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
