The particular aspect of history which both attracts and benefits its readers is the examination of causes and the capacity, which is the reward of this study, to decide in each case the best policy to follow. Now in all political situations we must understand that the principle factor which makes for success or failure is the form of a state's constitution: it is from this source, as if from a fountainhead, that all designs and plans of action not only originate but reach their fulfillment.
The government will take the fairest of names, but the worst of realities--mob rule. - Polybius
The government will take the fairest of names, but the worst of realities--mob rule.
- Polybius
On any occasion when one can discover the cause of events, one should not resort to the gods. - Polybius
On any occasion when one can discover the cause of events, one should not resort to the gods.
Nor ought we ever to allow any growing power to acquire such a degree of strength as to be able to tear from us, without resistance, our natural, und… - Polybius
Nor ought we ever to allow any growing power to acquire such a degree of strength as to be able to tear from us, without resistance, our natural, und…
Since the masses of the people are inconstant, full of unruly desires, passionate, and reckless of consequences, they must be filled with fears to ke… - Polybius
Since the masses of the people are inconstant, full of unruly desires, passionate, and reckless of consequences, they must be filled with fears to ke…
The common people feel themselves oppressed by the grasping of some, and their vanity is flattered by others. Fired with evil passions, they are no l… - Polybius
The common people feel themselves oppressed by the grasping of some, and their vanity is flattered by others. Fired with evil passions, they are no l…
A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible. - Polybius
A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible.
In our own time the whole of Greece has been subject to a low birth rate and a general decrease of the population, owing to which cities have become … - Polybius
In our own time the whole of Greece has been subject to a low birth rate and a general decrease of the population, owing to which cities have become …
If history is deprived of the Truth, we are left with nothing but an idle, unprofitable tale. - Polybius
If history is deprived of the Truth, we are left with nothing but an idle, unprofitable tale.
All things are subject to decay and change. - Polybius
All things are subject to decay and change.
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