quotes by thucydides

Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian who lived during the Peloponnesian War. He is known for his famous quotes, which have been quoted and studied for centuries. His quotes reflect his strong sense of justice and morality, as well as his deep understanding of human nature and politics. Thucydides’ words have stood the test of time, with many of his quotes still being relevant today. His words continue to be used as an inspiration for many, encouraging us to think deeply about the world around us and how we can make it a better place.”The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.” -Thucydides

Notable Sayings From Thucydides

Thucydides was a Greek historian who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western history. He is remembered for his famous book, The History of the Peloponnesian War, which recorded the events of the war between Athens and Sparta in the fifth century BC. Thucydides’ work is filled with wisdom and insight, and it has been studied by students and scholars for centuries. Here are some of his most notable sayings:

“The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.” This quote encapsulates Thucydides’ idea that power dictates events in human history. He believed that those with power could shape events, while those without it had to simply accept what was given to them.

“Fear is a stronger motivator than honor.” Thucydides believed that people were more likely to act out of fear than out of a sense of honor or duty. He felt that fear was a more powerful emotion than any other, and could be used to great effect by those in power.

“It is a general rule that those who are powerful are strong because they can afford to be.” This quote speaks to Thucydides’ view on inequality and how those with money and influence can achieve their goals without opposition from those without such resources.

“Justice will not come from men but from laws.” Thucydides believed that justice could only be achieved through laws rather than through individuals. He argued that laws should be created by those in power in order to promote fairness and equality among citizens.

“History is an inexact science.” This quote points to Thucydides’ belief that history cannot be understood completely or accurately because it relies on the interpretation of past events. He argued that any interpretation must take into account all available evidence, as well as personal opinion.

Famous Quotations From Thucydides

Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian who wrote the History of the Peloponnesian War. His writings have been highly influential throughout the centuries and are still regarded as some of the most insightful political and philosophical observations in history. Many of his sayings have gone on to become famous quotes that are still used today. Here are some of his most famous quotations from Thucydides:

“The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.”

“It is a general principle of human nature that people are more easily deceived by appearances than by reality.”

“Justice is only found in the rule of law.”

“The very great power of money, and the trust placed in it by those who possess it, often lead to a disregard for justice.”

“Wealth may make men powerful, but it cannot make them wise.”

“The surest way to avoid war is not to fear it.”

“Those who are prepared for war will win even if they do not fight.”

Inspirational Words From Thucydides

Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian who is known for his famous work, The History of the Peloponnesian War. His writings are still relevant today and can offer us insight and wisdom on a variety of topics. One such topic is that of inspirational words from Thucydides. Here are some of the most inspiring words that Thucydides has said:

Powerful Thoughts From Thucydides

Thucydides was an Ancient Greek historian and was considered one of the greatest historians of all time. He wrote about the Peloponnesian War and his work is still studied today. Thucydides believed in the power of reason and had some powerful thoughts which have been passed down through generations. Here are some of his most famous quotes:

“The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” This quote emphasizes that those who are powerful have the ability to make their own decisions, while those who are weaker have no choice but to accept their circumstances.

“The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.” This quote shows that being brave enough to stand up for yourself and your beliefs leads to a greater sense of freedom, which in turn brings true happiness.

“It is a general rule of nature that those who have power are inclined to abuse it.” Thucydides believed that when people are given too much power, they tend to misuse it for their own gain. This quote speaks volumes about how much we should be aware of those in positions of authority and not give them too much control over our lives.

“Do not be deceived by appearances; there is more honor gained by virtue than by violence.” This quote encourages us to focus on our internal values rather than external appearances when striving for success. It also reminds us that true honor comes from doing what’s right, not from using force or coercion.

“We must not let our passions destroy our judgments.” Here, Thucydides reminds us not to allow our emotions to override our rationale when making decisions. He believes in using logic and reasoning instead of giving into our feelings when trying to solve a problem or come up with a solution.

Words of Wisdom From Thucydides

Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian who wrote extensively about the Peloponnesian War. He is known for his insightful and thought-provoking observations about human nature and the world we live in. His words of wisdom can still be applied to modern day life, providing valuable lessons on how to navigate our own complex world. Here are some of his most memorable words of wisdom:

“The secret to happiness is freedom… And the secret to freedom is courage.” This wise quote from Thucydides reminds us that courage is key to living a life free from fear and anxiety. It takes courage to make difficult decisions in life, but by having the strength to do so, we can achieve true happiness.

“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.” This quote speaks volumes about the power of courage and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. We all face difficult tasks in our lives, but by having a clear vision of what lies ahead and mustering up the courage to take action, we can overcome any challenge.

“In a democracy people get the leaders they deserve.” This quote speaks to the importance of civic participation in a democracy. We are all responsible for electing leaders who represent our values and interests as citizens, so it is important that we stay informed on political issues and vote responsibly.

Finally, Thucydides said “Justice is only possible when men are good; but they cannot be good unless they are just.” This quote highlights the importance of justice as a foundation for moral goodness in society. In order for us all to reach our full potential as human beings, it is important that we strive for justice in all aspects of our lives.

1. The Strong Do What They Can

One of the most famous quotes by Thucydides, a Greek historian, is “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” This quote highlights the reality that those who are strong have the power to make their own choices, while those who are weak cannot always do so. Thucydides was referring to the Peloponnesian War, which was a conflict between two powerful states in ancient Greece. By making this statement, he was emphasizing that those with greater power have more control over their fate than those with less. This idea is still relevant today as it applies to many situations in which one side has more resources or influence than another.

2. Human Nature Does Not Change

Another of Thucydides’ famous quotes is “Human nature does not change; only the scene changes from time to time.” This quote highlights how human behavior remains largely consistent regardless of the changing environment around us. Thucydides believed that people will act in a certain way no matter what their circumstances are and that this behavior will remain true through different times and places. This idea is still relevant today as it emphasizes how we should recognize our own behavior and be aware of its implications in different contexts and times.

3. The Secret To Happiness

Thucydides’ quote “The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage” speaks volumes about his beliefs about human nature and happiness. By saying this, he was suggesting that one needs courage in order to achieve true freedom, which then leads to happiness. This idea remains relevant today as many people struggle with finding true happiness and freedom in their lives due to fear or lack of courage. By recognizing this connection between courage and happiness, one can begin working towards achieving true freedom from fear.

4. History Is A Teacher

Another thought-provoking quote by Thucydides is “History is a teacher, but it requires careful study if you wish to learn her lessons well.” This quote highlights his belief that history can provide valuable insight into how we should live our lives today if we take the time to study it carefully. He believed that by understanding the mistakes of our predecessors, we could avoid making similar ones ourselves in our present lives. This idea remains relevant today as it reminds us of the importance of studying history so we can learn from past mistakes in order to make better decisions going forward.

Make Tough Decisions in a Timely Manner

Thucydides believed that leaders should make difficult decisions quickly and decisively. He argued that hesitation in decision-making was often the cause of failure. In his opinion, successful leaders must be able to make tough choices and act on them promptly. He believed that when a leader takes too long in making a decision, they can miss out on opportunities to improve their situation or take advantage of the enemy’s weaknesses. In short, Thucydides saw quick and decisive action as the key to success in times of crisis.

Be Prepared for Every Outcome

Thucydides also believed that leaders should be prepared for every possible outcome when making decisions. He argued that it was important for leaders to anticipate potential risks and consequences before taking any action. This meant being aware of all possible scenarios and understanding how different decisions could affect each one. By being prepared, Thucydides argued, leaders could be better equipped to handle any situation that may arise from their decision-making.

Focus on Long-Term Goals

Thucydides also emphasized the importance of having long-term goals in mind when making decisions. He argued that it was important for leaders to maintain focus on their ultimate objectives, no matter what obstacles may arise during the decision-making process. This meant having a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve and staying committed to it throughout the entire process. By keeping their long-term goals at the forefront of their thoughts, Thucydides argued, leaders could remain focused on achieving success.

Listen To Advice From Wise Counselors

Finally, Thucydides believed that wise counsel should always be sought when making decisions. He argued that wise counselors could provide valuable insight into different options and strategies, which would help leaders make more informed decisions. He also stressed the importance of listening to advice from others before making any final choices – even if it disagreed with one’s own opinions or views. By seeking wise counsel from those around them, Thucydides argued, leaders could ensure they made better decisions with greater confidence in their outcomes.

Conclusion

Thucydides’ quotes offer timeless wisdom and insight into the nature of human life and the world we inhabit. His words on politics, war, justice, and power remain relevant today as they did over two thousand years ago. The lessons he taught us are as meaningful today as they were then. Perhaps the most important lesson Thucydides taught us is to take responsibility for our actions and strive to make a better world for all of humanity. His words continue to inspire generations of people to this day.

In conclusion, Thucydides’ quotes offer a powerful reminder that history can teach us valuable lessons about life and politics if we take the time to listen. By understanding his words we can better understand ourselves, our society, and our world. As we learn more about Thucydides’ work, we can continue to gain valuable insight into the past which will help us create a better future for all.