Thucydides Quotes

Historian

Thucydides, a renowned Greek historian, lived from 460 BC to 395 BC. His work, 'The History of the Peloponnesian War', is considered a classic in Western historical writing, known for its meticulous record of facts and profound political analysis.

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All Men War Firsts Ifs Danger Enemy Action Causes Knows Thinking Accepting Humans Military People Athenians Believe Cities Courage Giving Glory

Famous Thucydides Quotes

“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.”

Government Might Force Simple Worry Military Adventure Majority Democratic Clever Sheer Unnecessary Exhausting Athens Citizenry Military Force Recklessness Democratic Government

Book:The Landmark Thucydides

Source: The Landmark Thucydides

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it.”

Source: The History of the Peloponnesian War

“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.”

Mean War Peace Military Strength Bravery Brave Convinced Be Brave Peril Inspirational Military Hanukkah

Book:The Speeches of Pericles

Source: The Speeches of Pericles

“The strength of an Army lies in strict discipline and undeviating obedience to its officers.”

Lying Military Discipline Army Obedience Officers Strict

Author:Thucydides

“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.”

Firsts War Ends Matter Waiting Common Mistake Military Disaster Going To War

Book:History of the Peloponnesian War

Source: History of the Peloponnesian War

“We must remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.”

Men School Remember Military One Man

Book:Delphi Complete Works of Thucydides (Illustrated)

Source: Delphi Complete Works of Thucydides (Illustrated)

About the Author

Born: 460 BC
Died: 395 BC
Known for: Historian
Quotes: 137

Books & Sources

The Landmark ThucydidesRelated source material

Delphi Complete Works of Thucydides (Illustrated)Related source material

History of the Peloponnesian WarRelated source material

History of GreeceRelated source material

The History of the Peloponnesian WarRelated source material

Athens at warRelated source material

The Speeches of PericlesRelated source material

History of the Peloponnesian War: A CompanionRelated source material

How to Think about War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign PolicyRelated source material

The Best of Thucydides: Fifteen Extracts from Thucydides' "History of the Peloponnesian War"Related source material

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