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.

Indeed 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

Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.

... Athenians are addicted to innovation. They are daring beyond their judgment they toil on with little opportunity for enjoying, being ever engaged in getting, they were born into the world to take no rest themselves, and to give none to others.

History is Philosophy teaching by example.

Those who have experienced good and bad luck many times have every reason to be skeptical of successes

I dread our own mistakes more than the enemy's intentions.