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.

Those who have experienced good and bad luck many times have every reason to be skeptical of successes

Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.

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.

The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.

Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and respect of self, in turn, is the chief element in courage.

Peace is an armistice in a war that is continuously going on.