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.

Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most.

When will there be justice in Athens? There will be justice in Athens when those who are not injured are as outraged as those who are.

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

One's sense of honor is the only thing that does not grow old, and the last pleasure, when one is worn out with age, is not, as the poet said, making money, but having the respect of one's fellow men.

I am not blaming those who are resolved to rule, only those who show an even greater readiness to submit.

Those who really deserve praise are the people who, while human enough to enjoy power, nevertheless pay more attention to justice than they are compelled to do by their situation.