--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In general, the men of lower intelligence…" description: "\"In general, the men of lower intelligence won out. Afraid of their own shortcomings and of the intelligence of their opponents, so that they would not ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/thucydides-2578_ability_in-general-the-men-of-lower-intelligence_2976810.png" --- # In general, the men of lower intelligence won out. Afraid… ![“In general, the men of lower intelligence won out. Afraid of their own shortcomings and of the intelligence of their opponents, so that they would not lose out in reasoned argument or be taken by surprise by their quick-witted opponents, they boldly moved into action. Their enemies,on the…” quote by Thucydides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/thucydides-2578_ability_in-general-the-men-of-lower-intelligence_2976810.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/thucydides-2578_ability_in-general-the-men-of-lower-intelligence_2976810.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/thucydides-2578_ability_in-general-the-men-of-lower-intelligence_2976810.png) > “In general, the men of lower intelligence won out. Afraid of their own shortcomings and of the intelligence of their opponents, so that they would not lose out in reasoned argument or be taken by surprise by their quick-witted opponents, they boldly moved into action. Their enemies,on the contrary, contemptuous and confident in their ability to anticipate, thought there was no need to take by action what they could win by their brains.” [Thucydides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thucydides/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage describes how less intelligent men act boldly out of fear of being outsmarted, while smarter opponents rely on intellect and disdain action. **In simple terms:** Fear of being outsmarted drives bold action; smarter foes prefer reasoning. Key Takeaway Beware overconfidence in intellect without action. Themes strategy human nature conflict psychology intelligence Mood cautious reflective strategic Type historical philosophical When to use this quote - military leadership - business negotiations - political campaigns - personal relationships Key Concepts cognitive bias risk aversion decision making Questions to Reflect On - When is bold action preferable to careful planning? - How does fear influence decision making? A Different Perspective Bold action can be reckless; intellect alone may be passive. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Quick witted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quick-witted/) [Shortcomings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shortcomings/) [Surprise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surprise/) [Winning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/winning/) ## Related quotes > [...Intelligence and character of the masses are incomparably lower than the intelligence and character of the few who produce something valuable for the community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/intelligence-and-character-of-the-masses-are-incomparably-lower-than/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [“Discrimination and segregation are evidence of lower intelligence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-martin-will-n/discrimination-and-segregation-are-evidence-of-lower-intelligence/) Erik Martin Willén > [Most writers are not quick-witted when they talk. 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