Quote

For men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.

Thucydides

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Thucydides
Historian
Way
Men
Despise
Naturally
Court
Respect
Religious
Give
Giving

More quotes by Thucydides

Image
I could have wished that the reputations of many brave men were not to be imperilled in the mouth of a single individual, to stand or fall according as he spoke well or ill. For it is hard to speak properly upon a subject where it is even difficult to convince your hearers that you are speaking the truth.
Thucydides
Image
Knowledge without understanding is useless.
Thucydides
Image
Now the only sure basis of an alliance is for each party to be equally afraid of the other
Thucydides
Image
It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.
Thucydides
Image
Men's indignation, it seems, is more exited by legal wrong than by violent wrong the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.
Thucydides
Image
Remember that this greatness was won by men with courage, with knowledge of their duty, and with a sense of honor in action.
Thucydides
Image
Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.
Thucydides
Image
Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.
Thucydides
Image
They are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense of both the pains and pleasures of life, do not on that account shrink from danger.
Thucydides
Image
Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others as long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous.
Thucydides
Image
speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.
Thucydides
Image
Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris
Thucydides
Image
Those who have experienced good and bad luck many times have every reason to be skeptical of successes
Thucydides
Image
Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.
Thucydides
Image
If you give way, you will instantly have to meet some greater demand, as having been frightened into obedience in the first instance while a firm refusal will make them clearly understand that they must treat you more as equals.
Thucydides
Image
Full of hopes beyond their power though not beyond their ambition.
Thucydides
Image
Boasting and bravado may exist in the breast even of the coward, if he is successful through a mere lucky hit but a just contempt of an enemy can alone arise in those who feel that they are superior to their opponent by the prudence of their measures.
Thucydides
Image
And it is certain that those who do not yield to their equals, who keep terms with their superiors, and are moderate towards their inferiors, on the whole succeed best.
Thucydides
Image
Hatred also is short lived but that which makes the splendor of the present and the glory of the future remains forever unforgotten here we bless your simplicity but do not envy your folly.
Thucydides
Image
we know that there can never be any solid friendship between individuals, or union between communities that is worth the name, unless the parties be persuaded of each others honesty
Thucydides