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Mankind apparently find it easier to drive away adversity than to retain prosperity.
Thucydides
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Thucydides
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Prosperity
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Mankind
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Apparently
Adversity
More quotes by Thucydides
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
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
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
Stories happen to those who tell them.
Thucydides
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
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.
Thucydides
In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.
Thucydides
Now the only sure basis of an alliance is for each party to be equally afraid of the other
Thucydides
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.
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
Hope, danger's comforter
Thucydides
For men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.
Thucydides
...knowing the secret of happiness to be freedom, and the secret of freedom a brave heart, not idly to stand aside from the enemy's onset.
Thucydides
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
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
War is a matter not so much of arms as of money.
Thucydides
Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.
Thucydides
I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire.
Thucydides
It is men who make a city, not walls or ships.
Thucydides
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