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