Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.

Wars spring from unseen and generally insignificant causes, the first outbreak being often but an explosion of anger.

The meaning of words had no longer the same relation to things... Reckless daring was held to be loyal courage; prudent delay was the excuse of a coward; moderation was the disguise of unmanly weakness; to know everything was to do nothing. Frantic energy was the true quality of man.

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.

In peace and prosperity states and individuals have better sentiments, because they do not find themselves suddenly confronted with imperious necessities; but war takes away the easy supply of daily wants and so proves a rough master that brings most men's characters to a level with their fortunes

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

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