The peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learned to cultivate the olive and the vine.
ThucydidesRead
Some legislators only wish to vengeance against a particular enemy. Others only look out for themselves. They devote very little time on the consideration of any public issue. They think that no harm will come from their neglect. They act as if it is always the business of somebody else to look after this or that. When this selfish notion is entertained by all, the commonwealth slowly begins to decay.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against selfishness in leadership and the neglect of public issues.
Thucydides emphasizes the dangers of selfish leadership, where some politicians focus solely on personal vendettas or their own interests, neglecting the responsibility of addressing public concerns. This lack of attention to the greater good leads to societal decay, as the duty to care for the commonwealth is overlooked, highlighting the importance of selfless and responsible governance.
Themes
LeadershipSelfishnessSocietyResponsibilityPublic Issues
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about ethical leadership at a political rally.
More from Thucydides
All quotes →We Greeks are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.
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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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Thucydides, an Athenian, wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians, he began at the moment that it broke out, believing that it would be a great war, and more memorable than any that had preceded it.
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Remember that this greatness was won by men with courage, with knowledge of their duty, and with a sense of honor in action.
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It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter.
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