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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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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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It is from the greatest dangers that the greatest glory is to be won.
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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.
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It must be thoroughly understood that war is a necessity, and that the more readily we accept it,the less will be the ardor of our opponents, and that out of the greatest dangers communities and individuals acquire the greatest glory.
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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.
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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.
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Abstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.
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The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
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It is men who make a city, not walls or ships.
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I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire.
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In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.
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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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Stories happen to those who tell them.
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It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.
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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
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We Greeks are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.
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speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.
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Full of hopes beyond their power though not beyond their ambition.
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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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But the prize for courage will surely be awarded most justly to those who best know the difference between hardship and pleasure and yet are never tempted to shrink from danger.
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