215 Quotes by 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.

Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.

So little trouble do men take in the search after truth; so readily do they accept whatever comes first to hand.

The wide difference between the two characters, the slowness and want of energy of the Spartans as contrasted with the dash and enterprise of their opponents, proved of the greatest service, especially to a maritime empire like Athens. Indeed this was shown by the Syracusans, who were most like the Athenians in character, and also most successful in combating them.

Mankind apparently find it easier to drive away adversity than to retain prosperity.

I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire...

Stories happen to those who tell them.

Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris.

Your empire is now like a tyranny: it may have been wrong to take it; it is certainly dangerous to let it go.