You should punish in the same manner those who commit crimes with those who accuse falsely.

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

If you give way, you will instantly have to meet some greater demand, as having been frightened into obedience in the first instance; while a firm refusal will make them clearly understand that they must treat you more as equals.

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.

I am not blaming those who are resolved to rule, only those who show an even greater readiness to submit.

For they had learned that true safety was to be found in long previous training, and not in eloquent exhortations uttered when they were going into action.

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