Peace Quote by Thucydides
““Think, too, of the great part that is played by the unpredictable in war: think of it now, before you are actually comitted to war. The longer a war lasts, the more things tend to depend on accidents. Neither you nor we can see into them: we have to abide their outcome in the dark. And when people are entering upon a war they do things the wrong way round. Action comes first, and it is only when they have already suffered that they begin to think.””
About This Quote
War’s unpredictability forces actions before thoughtful planning, leading to costly mistakes.
In simple terms: War is chaotic and reactive.
Plan for uncertainty and adapt quickly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- military training
- crisis response
- business continuity planning
- emergency drills
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance rapid action with strategic reflection?
- What structures reduce accidental outcomes in conflict?
May underestimate the value of pre‑war diplomacy.