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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.
Thucydides
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Thucydides
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More quotes by Thucydides
Those who have experienced good and bad luck many times have every reason to be skeptical of successes
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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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It is men who make a city, not walls or ships.
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Wealth to us is not mere material for vainglory but an opportunity for achievement and poverty we think it no disgrace to acknowledge but a real degredation to make no effort to overcome.
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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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We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.
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The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable.
Thucydides
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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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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speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.
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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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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
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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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Human nature is the one constant through human history. It is always there.
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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.
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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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He passes through life most securely who has least reason to reproach himself with complaisance toward his enemies.
Thucydides
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
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
The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
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