Tucídides

Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others so long as each hearer thinks he can do as well or nearly well himself.

Men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.

We [Greeks] are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.

We are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few.

When tremendous dangers are involved, no one can be blamed for looking to his own interest.

They are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense of both the pains and pleasures of life, do not on that account shrink from danger.

A nation that draws too broad a difference between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards, and its fighting done by fools.

The sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with patience, what enemies inflict with manly courage.

We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.

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

Ignorance is bold, and knowledge reserved.

Of the gods we believe, and of men we know, that by a necessary law of their nature they rule wherever they can.

Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.

I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time.