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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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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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The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable.
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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.
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Remember that this greatness was won by men with courage, with knowledge of their duty, and with a sense of honor in action.
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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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I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire.
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Hope, danger's comforter
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Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.
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Three of the gravest failings, want of sense, of courage, or of vigilance.
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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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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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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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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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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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In a word I claim that our city as a whole is an education to Greece.
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Full of hopes beyond their power though not beyond their ambition.
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The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
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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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In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.
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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.
Thucydides