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I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire.
Thucydides
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Thucydides
Historian
Empire
Empires
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Democracy
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More quotes by Thucydides
Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.
Thucydides
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
I think the two things most opposed to good counsel are haste and passion haste usaully goes hand in hand with folly, passion with coarseness and narrowness of mind.
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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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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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It is men who make a city, not walls or ships.
Thucydides
Now the only sure basis of an alliance is for each party to be equally afraid of the other
Thucydides
Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris
Thucydides
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
So little trouble do men take in the search after truth so readily do they accept whatever comes first to hand.
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.
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
When will there be justice in Athens? There will be justice in Athens when those who are not injured are as outraged as those who are.
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
... Athenians are addicted to innovation. They are daring beyond their judgment they toil on with little opportunity for enjoying, being ever engaged in getting, they were born into the world to take no rest themselves, and to give none to others.
Thucydides
The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.
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
For men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.
Thucydides
We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.
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
