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.

— Thucydides

Men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.

— Thucydides

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

— Thucydides

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.

— Thucydides

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.

— Thucydides

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.

— Thucydides

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

— Thucydides

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.

— Thucydides

The secret to happiness is freedom... And the secret to freedom is courage.

— Thucydides

They are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who having the clearest sense of both the pains and pleasures of life do not on that account shrink from danger.

— Thucydides