It is from the greatest dangers that the greatest glory is to be won.

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.

It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter.

The absence of romance from my history will, I fear, detract somewhat from its interest; but if it be judged useful by those inquirers who desire an exact knowledge of the past as an aid to the interpretation of the future, which in the course of human things must resemble if it does not reflect it, I shall be content. In fine, I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time.

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.

You should punish in the same manner those who commit crimes with those who accuse falsely.