. “It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disaster to discuss the matter.”- Thucydides

<img alt="History offers a perspective to a civilization." srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 16w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 32w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 48w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 64w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 96w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 128w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 256w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 375w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 384w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 544w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 640w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 750w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 828w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 1080w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 1200w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 1920w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 2048w, https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp 3840w" src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ff5823360c4f86e2b46c499_greek_humor_is_great_for_evening_parties_20e8a02061.jpeg.webp" width="785" height="500"><img alt="Author" src="https://media.kidadl.com/kidadl_writer_af171a84b1.jpeg.webp" width="48" height="48">Written ByPublished on Jan 28, 2021Updated on Nov 12, 20217 mins to readThucydides was a great Ancient Greek historian and general of his times that made remarkable contributions to history with his great works in different fields.“The absence of romance in my history will, I fear, detract somewhat from its interest, but if it is judged worthy by those inquirers who desire an exact knowledge of the past as an aid to the understanding of the future, which in the course of human things must resemble if it does not reflect it, I shall be content. In fine I have written my work not as an essay with which to win the applause of the moment but as a possession for all time", said Thucydides.Thucydides is a famous Athenian general and historian who was born in Halimous, Athens. The great general and historian, Thucydides was well known for his remarkable contributions in different fields such as history, philosophy, and the account of the Peloponnesian War. Thucydides is regarded as the father of the school of ‘political realism,’ besides being considered as the ‘father of scientific history,’ around the world. He has contributed greatly with his historical accounts of various events that happened during his lifetime out of which the greatest one is the account of fifth-century BC war between Athens and Sparta in his book called 'History of the Peloponnesian War'. Let’s take a look at the collection of the best Thucydides quotes from ancient history. If you like our article on Thucydides quotes from the famous Greek historian, you may also take a glimpse of <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/best-ancient-quotes-about-philosophy-love-and-life" dir="ltr">ancient quotes</a> and <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/the-best-herodotus-quotes-from-the-father-of-history" dir="ltr">Herodotus quotes</a>.‍<h2>Thucydides Quotes On War</h2>Thucydides is one of the greatest historians of Athens, Greece, who is known for his work and account of the war between Athens and Sparta in his book titled 'History of the Peloponnesian War'. His Peloponnesian war novels are considered to be one of his greatest works and was able to win the applause. Let’s take a look at some of the best Thucydides Peloponnesian war quotes and Thucydides quotes warriors.<figure><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/6012fc5cb5ee714d05762f83-thucydides-quotes-on-war.jpeg.webp" alt="War results from an explosion of anger." srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_6012fc5cb5ee714d05762f83-thucydides-quotes-on-war.jpeg.webp 245w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_6012fc5cb5ee714d05762f83-thucydides-quotes-on-war.jpeg.webp 500w, https://media.kidadl.com/6012fc5cb5ee714d05762f83-thucydides-quotes-on-war.jpeg.webp 640w" width="673" height="384"></figure>1. “It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disaster to discuss the matter.”- Thucydides2. “Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage.”- Thucydides3. “The real cause I consider to be the one which was formally most kept out of sight. The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Lacedaemon, made war inevitable.”- Thucydides, 'History of the Peloponnesian War'4. “Wars spring from unseen and generally insignificant causes, the first outbreak being often but an explosion of anger.”- Thucydides5. “The strength of an Army lies in strict discipline and undeviating obedience to its officers.”- Thucydides6. “We should remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.”- Thucydides7. “War is an evil thing; but to submit to the dictation of other states is worse... Freedom, if we hold fast to it, will ultimately restore our losses, but submission will mean permanent loss of all that we value... To you who call yourselves men of peace, I say: You are not safe unless you have men of action on your side.”- Thucydides, 'History of the Peloponnesian War'8. “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.”- Thucydides9. “The Nation that makes a huge distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”- Thucydides10. “War is a matter not so much of arms as of money.”- Thucydides, 'History of the Peloponnesian War'<h2>Thucydides On Justice Power And Human Nature Quotes</h2>Thucydides is regarded as one of the best historians of his times who made remarkable contributions in the field of history. Thucydides was known for his study of human nature during wars, and crisis through his writings, manuscripts, and interpretations. His work is highly acclaimed by many a historian. Let’s take a look at some of the best quotes from Thucydides about history, power and human nature.<figure><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/6012d3b3f8b1036f76a32702-100-thomas-carlyle-quotes-for-all-budding-historians.jpeg.webp" alt="Wars always find a prominent place in history." srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_6012d3b3f8b1036f76a32702-100-thomas-carlyle-quotes-for-all-budding-historians.jpeg.webp 245w, https://media.kidadl.com/small_6012d3b3f8b1036f76a32702-100-thomas-carlyle-quotes-for-all-budding-historians.jpeg.webp 500w, https://media.kidadl.com/6012d3b3f8b1036f76a32702-100-thomas-carlyle-quotes-for-all-budding-historians.jpeg.webp 640w" width="673" height="379"></figure>11. “Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.”- Thucydides12. “For the love of gain would reconcile the weaker to the dominion of the stronger, and the possession of capital enabled the more powerful to reduce the smaller towns to subjection.”- &nbsp;Thucydides13. “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.”- Thucydides14. “Love of power, operating through greed and through personal ambition, was the cause of all these evils.”- Thucydides15. “It is useless to attack a man who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.”- Thucydides16. “I don’t blame those who want to rule but those who are more ready to obey.”- Thucydides17. “The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable.”- Thucydides18. “It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men.”- Thucydides19. “We Greeks are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.”- Thucydides20. “In a democracy, someone who fails to get elected to office can always console himself with the thought that there was something not quite fair about it.”- Thucydides21. “When one is deprived of one's liberty, one is right in blaming not so much the man who puts the shackles on as the one who had the power to prevent him, but did not use it.”- Thucydides22. “Τhose who do not yield to their equals, who keep terms with their superiors, and are moderate towards their inferiors, on the whole succeed best.”- Thucydides23. “Hope is an expensive commodity. It makes better sense to be prepared.”- Thucydides24. “They whose minds are least sensitive to calamity, and whose hands are most quick to meet it, are the greatest men and the greatest communities.”- Thucydides25. “The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.”- Thucydides<h2>Best Thucydides Quotes From Ancient History</h2>Thucydides was a person of honor and an intellectual with great thinking, considered to be the greatest historian of all times - his work 'History Of The Peloponnesian war' sheds light at the war of Greece and has been a possession for all time. Let’s take a look at some of the best Thucydides quotes from ancient history and his wise words.26. “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.”- Thucydides27. “Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought.”- Thucydides28. “Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.”- Thucydides29. “We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.”- Thucydides30. “Justice is an issue only between equals, otherwise those in power do what they can and the weak forgive.”- Thucydides31. “Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”- Thucydides32. “Athenians, I shall only say a few words to you, but brave men require no more, and they are addressed more to your understanding than to your courage.”- Thucydides33. “Men's indignation, it seems, is more excited by legal wrong than by violent wrong; the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.”- ThucydidesHere at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Thucydides Quotes From The Ancient Greek Historian, then why not take a look at <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/best-greek-quotes-from-famous-philosophers" dir="ltr">Greek quotes</a>, or <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/best-plutarch-quotes-from-the-platonist-greek-philosopher" dir="ltr">Plutarch quotes</a>.‍<img src="https://media.kidadl.com/small_kidadl_writer_af171a84b1.jpeg.webp" alt="Author" width="58" height="58">Written ByKidadl Team The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. From lino cutting to surfing to children’s mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family.READ THE DISCLAIMER

Here is our collection of best Thucydides quotes that will help you understand war policies and the struggles of Sparta and Athens during the fifth century BC.

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Thucydides was a great Ancient Greek historian and general of his times that made remarkable contributions to history with his great works in different fields.

“The absence of romance in my history will, I fear, detract somewhat from its interest, but if it is judged worthy by those inquirers who desire an exact knowledge of the past as an aid to the understanding of the future, which in the course of human things must resemble if it does not reflect it, I shall be content. In fine I have written my work not as an essay with which to win the applause of the moment but as a possession for all time", said Thucydides.

Thucydides is a famous Athenian general and historian who was born in Halimous, Athens. The great general and historian, Thucydides was well known for his remarkable contributions in different fields such as history, philosophy, and the account of the Peloponnesian War. Thucydides is regarded as the father of the school of ‘political realism,’ besides being considered as the ‘father of scientific history,’ around the world. He has contributed greatly with his historical accounts of various events that happened during his lifetime out of which the greatest one is the account of fifth-century BC war between Athens and Sparta in his book called 'History of the Peloponnesian War'. Let’s take a look at the collection of the best Thucydides quotes from ancient history. If you like our article on Thucydides quotes from the famous Greek historian, you may also take a glimpse of <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/best-ancient-quotes-about-philosophy-love-and-life">ancient quotes </a>and <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/the-best-herodotus-quotes-from-the-father-of-history">Herodotus quotes </a>.

Thucydides is one of the greatest historians of Athens, Greece, who is known for his work and account of the war between Athens and Sparta in his book titled 'History of the Peloponnesian War'. His Peloponnesian war novels are considered to be one of his greatest works and was able to win the applause. Let’s take a look at some of the best Thucydides Peloponnesian war quotes and Thucydides quotes warriors.

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

2. “Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage.”

3. “The real cause I consider to be the one which was formally most kept out of sight. The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Lacedaemon, made war inevitable.”

- Thucydides, 'History of the Peloponnesian War'

4. “Wars spring from unseen and generally insignificant causes, the first outbreak being often but an explosion of anger.”

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

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

7. “War is an evil thing; but to submit to the dictation of other states is worse... Freedom, if we hold fast to it, will ultimately restore our losses, but submission will mean permanent loss of all that we value... To you who call yourselves men of peace, I say: You are not safe unless you have men of action on your side.”

8. “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.”

9. “The Nation that makes a huge distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”

10. “War is a matter not so much of arms as of money.”

Thucydides On Justice Power And Human Nature Quotes

Thucydides is regarded as one of the best historians of his times who made remarkable contributions in the field of history. Thucydides was known for his study of human nature during wars, and crisis through his writings, manuscripts, and interpretations. His work is highly acclaimed by many a historian. Let’s take a look at some of the best quotes from Thucydides about history, power and human nature.

11. “Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.”

12. “For the love of gain would reconcile the weaker to the dominion of the stronger, and the possession of capital enabled the more powerful to reduce the smaller towns to subjection.”

13. “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.”

14. “Love of power, operating through greed and through personal ambition, was the cause of all these evils.”

15. “It is useless to attack a man who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.”

16. “I don’t blame those who want to rule but those who are more ready to obey.”

17. “The growth of the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable.”

18. “It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men.”

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

20. “In a democracy, someone who fails to get elected to office can always console himself with the thought that there was something not quite fair about it.”

21. “When one is deprived of one's liberty, one is right in blaming not so much the man who puts the shackles on as the one who had the power to prevent him, but did not use it.”

22. “Τhose who do not yield to their equals, who keep terms with their superiors, and are moderate towards their inferiors, on the whole succeed best.”

23. “Hope is an expensive commodity. It makes better sense to be prepared.”

24. “They whose minds are least sensitive to calamity, and whose hands are most quick to meet it, are the greatest men and the greatest communities.”

25. “The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.”

Best Thucydides Quotes From Ancient History

Thucydides was a person of honor and an intellectual with great thinking, considered to be the greatest historian of all times - his work 'History Of The Peloponnesian war' sheds light at the war of Greece and has been a possession for all time. Let’s take a look at some of the best Thucydides quotes from ancient history and his wise words.

26. “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.”

27. “Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought.”

28. “Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.”

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

30. “Justice is an issue only between equals, otherwise those in power do what they can and the weak forgive.”

31. “Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”

32. “Athenians, I shall only say a few words to you, but brave men require no more, and they are addressed more to your understanding than to your courage.”

33. “Men's indignation, it seems, is more excited by legal wrong than by violent wrong; the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.”

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Thucydides Quotes From The Ancient Greek Historian, then why not take a look at <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/best-greek-quotes-from-famous-philosophers">Greek quotes </a>, or <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/best-plutarch-quotes-from-the-platonist-greek-philosopher">Plutarch quotes </a>.

The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. From lino cutting to surfing to children’s mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family.

30+ Thucydides Quotes From The Ancient Greek Historian

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