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.

So little trouble do men take in the search after truth; so readily do they accept whatever comes first to hand.

Mankind apparently find it easier to drive away adversity than to retain prosperity.

We secure our friends not by accepting favours but by doing them.

The secret of freedom, courage.

Don't confuse meaning with truth.

Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.