It is the habit of mankind to entrust to careless hope what they long for, and to use sovereign reason to thrust aside what they do not desire

Boasting and bravado may exist in the breast even of the coward, if he is successful through a mere lucky hit; but a just contempt of an enemy can alone arise in those who feel that they are superior to their opponent by the prudence of their measures.

The secret of freedom, courage.

For men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.

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

Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others as long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous.

Love of power, operating through greed and through personal ambition, was the cause of all these evils.