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

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.

Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.

You can now, if you choose, employ your present success to advantage, so as to keep what you have got and gain honour and reputation besides, and you can avoid the mistake of those who meet with an extraordinary piece of good fortune, and are led on by hope to grasp continually at something further, through having already succeeded without expecting it.

Those who really deserve praise are the people who, while human enough to enjoy power, nevertheless pay more attention to justice than they are compelled to do by their situation.

What made the war inevitable was the growth of Athenian power and the fear which this caused in Sparta.

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