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.

Peace is an armistice in a war that is continuously going on.

Men's indignation, it seems, is more exited by legal wrong than by violent wrong; the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.

We must remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.

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

When one is deprived of ones liberty, one is right in blaming not so much the man who puts the shackles on as the one who had the power to prevent him, but did not use it.

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.

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.

Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.

In a democracy, someone who fails to get elected to office can always console himself with the thought that there was something not quite fair about it.

You should punish in the same manner those who commit crimes with those who accuse falsely.

The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.

Ignorance is bold and knowledge reserved.

Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought.

We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.

It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.

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

The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.

The sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with patience, what enemies inflict with manly courage.

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.

Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.