Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.
ThucydidesSome legislators only wish to vengeance against a particular enemy. Others only look out for themselves. They devote very little time on the consideration of any public issue. They think that no harm will come from their neglect. They act as if it is always the business of somebody else to look after this or that. When this selfish notion is entertained by all, the commonwealth slowly begins to decay.
ThucydidesWe Greeks believe that a man who takes no part in public affairs is not merely lazy, but good for nothing
Thucydides