Indeed it is generally the case that men are readier to call rogues clever than simpletons honest, and are ashamed of being the second as they are proud of being the first.

It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter.

Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.

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.

And it is certain that those who do not yield to their equals, who keep terms with their superiors, and are moderate towards their inferiors, on the whole succeed best.

Three of the gravest failings, want of sense, of courage, or of vigilance.

The secret of happiness is freedom and the secret of freedom is courage.