In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.
ThucydidesAthens' biggest worry was the sheer recklessness of its own democratic government. A simple majority of the citizenry, urged on and incensed by clever demagogues, might capriciously send out military forces in unnecessary and exhausting adventures.
ThucydidesIndeed men too often take upon themselves in the prosecution of their revenge to set the example of doing away with those general laws to which all can look for salvation in adversity, instead of allowing them to subsist against the day of danger when their aid may be required
ThucydidesThe sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with patience, what enemies inflict with manly courage.
Thucydides