Quote

The superior gratification derived from the use and contemplation of costly and supposedly beautiful products is, commonly, in great measure a gratification of our sense of costliness masquerading under the name of beauty.

Thucydides

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Thucydides
Historian
Products
Costly
Name
Derived
Beauty
Commonly
Names
Gratification
Use
Contemplation
Sense
Superior
Beautiful
Superiors
Masquerading
Great
Measure
Supposedly

More quotes by Thucydides

Image
For we both alike know that into the discussion of human affairs the question of justice enters only where the pressure of necessity is equal, and that the powerful exact what they can, and the weak grant what they must.
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
Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris
Thucydides
Image
I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time
Thucydides
Image
Full of hopes beyond their power though not beyond their ambition.
Thucydides
Image
He passes through life most securely who has least reason to reproach himself with complaisance toward his enemies.
Thucydides
Image
We Greeks are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.
Thucydides
Image
speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.
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
We must not disguise from ourselves that we go to found a city among strangers and enemies, and he who undertakes such an enterprise should be prepared to become master of the country the first day he lands, or failing in this find everything hostile to him.
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
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
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
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
Thucydides
Image
For men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.
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
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
Image
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.
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
Image
The secret of freedom, courage.
Thucydides