thucydides the war of the peloponnesians and the athenians

And as for mutual trust amongst them, it was confirmed not so much by divine law as by the communication of guilt. For these societies were not made upon prescribed laws of profit but for rapine, contrary to the laws established. In brief, he that could outstrip another in the doing of an evil act or that could persuade another thereto that never meant it was commended. For inconsiderate boldness was counted true-hearted manliness provident deliberation, a handsome fear modesty, the cloak of cowardice to be wise in everything, to be lazy in everything. But war, taking away the affluence of daily necessaries, is a most violent master and conformeth most men’s passions to the present occasion. For in peace and prosperity as well cities as private men are better minded because they be not plunged into necessity of doing anything against their will. And many and heinous things happened in the cities through this sedition, which though they have been before and shall be ever as long as human nature is the same, yet they are more calm and of different kinds according to the several conjunctures.

Now in time of peace they could have had no pretence nor would have been so forward to call them in but war and confederates to be had for either party, both to hurt their enemies and strengthen themselves, such as desired alteration easily got them in.

Professor of Politics at the Arizona State University School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership Document ExcerptĪfterwards all Greece, as a man may say, was in commotion and quarrels arose everywhere.

Thucydides the war of the peloponnesians and the athenians