Attention Quote by Thucydides
“Those who really deserve praise are the people who, while human enough to enjoy power, nevertheless pay more attention to justice than they are compelled to do by their situation.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War, 5th century BC
True merit lies in prioritizing justice over personal power, even when circumstances tempt otherwise.
In simple terms: Justice over power.
Key Takeaway
Choose fairness despite temptation.
Themes
justice
leadership
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- government decisions
- legal judgments
- personal dilemmas
- leadership challenges
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance authority with fairness?
- When have you chosen justice over self‑interest?
A Different Perspective
Power can corrupt even the well‑intentioned.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
