Share
×
Inspirational Quotes
Authors
Professions
Topics
Tags
Quote
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.
Thucydides
Share
Change background
T
T
T
Change font
Original
TAGS & TOPICS
Thucydides
Historian
Rate
Tower
Advantage
Apparent
Sacrifice
Towers
Strength
Gained
Greater
Temporary
Anything
Powers
Firsts
Permanent
Tranquillity
First
Injustice
Abstinence
More quotes by Thucydides
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.
Thucydides
We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.
Thucydides
Now the only sure basis of an alliance is for each party to be equally afraid of the other
Thucydides
Stories happen to those who tell them.
Thucydides
It is men who make a city, not walls or ships.
Thucydides
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
Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.
Thucydides
The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
Thucydides
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
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
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
Those who have experienced good and bad luck many times have every reason to be skeptical of successes
Thucydides
The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable.
Thucydides
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
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.
Thucydides
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.
Thucydides
For men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.
Thucydides
Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.
Thucydides
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
