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.

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

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.

Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought.

He who graduates the harshest school, succeeds.

The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it.

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.