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

Thucydides

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Thucydides
Historian
Court
Respect
Religious
Give
Giving
Way
Men
Despise
Naturally

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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.
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If it had not been for the pernicious power of envy, men would not so have exalted vengeance above innocence and profit above justice... in these acts of revenge on others, men take it upon themselves to begin the process of repealing those general laws of humanity which are there to give a hope of salvation to all who are in distress.
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Hope, danger's comforter
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War is a matter not so much of arms as of money.
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...knowing the secret of happiness to be freedom, and the secret of freedom a brave heart, not idly to stand aside from the enemy's onset.
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Human nature is the one constant through human history. It is always there.
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We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.
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Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.
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Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and respect of self, in turn, is the chief element in courage.
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As for democracy, the men of sense among us knew what it was, and I perhaps as well as any, as I have more cause to complain of it but there is nothing new to be said of a patent absurdity-meanwhile we did not think it safe to alter it under the pressure of your hostility.
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In peace and prosperity states and individuals have better sentiments, because they do not find themselves suddenly confronted with imperious necessities but war takes away the easy supply of daily wants and so proves a rough master that brings most men's characters to a level with their fortunes
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War is an evil thing but to submit to the dictation of other states is worse.... Freedom, if we hold fast to it, will ultimately restore our losses, but submission will mean permanent loss of all that we value.... To you who call yourselves men of peace, I say: You are not safe unless you have men of action on your side.
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So little trouble do men take in the search after truth so readily do they accept whatever comes first to hand.
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I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire.
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Those who have experienced good and bad luck many times have every reason to be skeptical of successes
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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.
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The secret of freedom, courage.
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The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
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Three of the gravest failings, want of sense, of courage, or of vigilance.
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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