In a democracy, someone who fails to get elected to office can always console himself with the thought that there was something not quite fair about it.
ThucydidesIf 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.
ThucydidesAn avowal of poverty is no disgrace to any man; to make no effort to escape it is indeed disgraceful.
ThucydidesA private man, however successful in his own dealing, if his country perish is involved in her destruction; but if he be an unprosperous citizen of a prosperous city, he is much more likely to recover. Seeing, then, that States can bear the misfortunes of individuals, but individuals cannot bear the misfortunes of States, let us all stand by our country.
Thucydides