Army Quote by Thucydides
“when night came on, the Macedonians and the barbarian crowd suddenly took fright in one of those mysterious panics to which great armies are liable”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides, c. 431 BC
Armies can suddenly panic, showing that even disciplined forces are vulnerable to fear.
In simple terms: Even trained armies can panic.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant and maintain morale in stressful situations.
Themes
fear
panic
military discipline
psychology of crowds
Mood
tense
historical
Type
analytical
strategic
When to use this quote
- battlefield
- large troop movements
- unexpected threats
- command decisions
Key Concepts
collective behavior
morale
leadership
stress response
Questions to Reflect On
- What can leaders do to prevent sudden panic among troops?
- How does fear affect decision‑making in high‑stress environments?
A Different Perspective
Panic may be triggered by unknown factors beyond control.
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