The meaning of words had no longer the same relation to things... Reckless daring was held to be loyal courage; prudent delay was the excuse of a coward; moderation was the disguise of unmanly weakness; to know everything was to do nothing. Frantic energy was the true quality of man.

Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.

It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.

They are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense of both the pains and pleasures of life, do not on that account shrink from danger.

Mankind apparently find it easier to drive away adversity than to retain prosperity.

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

In a word I claim that our city as a whole is an education to Greece.