I could have wished that the reputations of many brave men were not to be imperilled in the mouth of a single individual, to stand or fall according as he spoke well or ill. For it is hard to speak properly upon a subject where it is even difficult to convince your hearers that you are speaking the truth.
ThucydidesFor men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.
ThucydidesFor so remarkably perverse is the nature of man that he despises whoever courts him, and admires whoever will not bend before him.
Thucydides