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Three of the gravest failings, want of sense, of courage, or of vigilance.

Thucydides

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Thucydides
Historian
Failings
Vigilance
Failing
Courage
Sense
Three
Gravest

More quotes by Thucydides

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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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Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris
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He passes through life most securely who has least reason to reproach himself with complaisance toward his enemies.
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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.
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Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.
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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
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speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.
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War is a matter not so much of arms as of money.
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The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it.
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When will there be justice in Athens? There will be justice in Athens when those who are not injured are as outraged as those who are.
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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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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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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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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.
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We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.
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Now the only sure basis of an alliance is for each party to be equally afraid of the other
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The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
Thucydides
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Indeed it is generally the case that men are readier to call rogues clever than simpletons honest, and are ashamed of being the second as they are proud of being the first.
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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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Indeed men too often take upon themselves in the prosecution of their revenge to set the example of doing away with those general laws to which all can look for salvation in adversity, instead of allowing them to subsist against the day of danger when their aid may be required
Thucydides