215 Quotes by Thucydides

For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men. Make them your examples, and, esteeming courage to be freedom and freedom to be happiness, do not weigh too nicely the perils of war."[Funeral Oration of Pericles]

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.

Ignorance is bold, and knowledge is reserved

Friendship or enmity is everywhere an affair of time and circumstance

People are inclined to accept all stories of ancient times in an uncritical way -even when those stories concern their own native counties...Most people, in fact, will not take trouble in finding out the truth, but are more inclined to accept the first story they hear.

The absence of romance in my history will, I fear, detract somewhat from its interest, but if it is judged worthy by those inquirers who desire an exact knowledge of the past as an aid to the understanding of the future, which in the course of human things must resemble if it does not reflect it, I shall be content.In fine I have written my work not as an essay with which to win the applause of the moment but as a possession for all time.

As a corollary, they (Greek intellectuals) believed that knowledge for its own sake was meaningless, itsmere accumulation a waste of time. Knowledge must lead to understanding.

Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage.

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.