It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.
ThucydidesAbstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.
ThucydidesTo be an object of hatred and aversion to their contemporaries has been the usual fate of all those whose merit has raised them above the common level. The man who submits to the shafts of envy for the sake of noble objects pursues a judicious course for his own lasting fame. Hatred dies with its object, while merit soon breaks forth in full splendor, and his glory is handed down to posterity in never-dying strains.
ThucydidesYou should punish in the same manner those who commit crimes with those who accuse falsely.
Thucydides