The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.

It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.

Love of power, operating through greed and through personal ambition, was the cause of all these evils.

For we both alike know that into the discussion of human affairs the question of justice enters only where the pressure of necessity is equal, and that the powerful exact what they can, and the weak grant what they must.

In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.

Athens' 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.

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.