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(Athenian embassy:) Realise, while there is time, the inscrutable nature of war; and how when protracted it generally ends in becoming a mere matter … - Thucydides
" "(Athenian embassy:) Realise, while there is time, the inscrutable nature of war; and how when protracted it generally ends in becoming a mere matter of chance, over which neither of us can have any control, the event being equally unknown and equally hazardous to both.
The misfortune is that in their hurry to go to war, men begin with blows, and when a reverse comes upon them, then have recourse to words.
(Book 1 Chapter 78.1-3)
English
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About Thucydides
Thucydides (or Thoukydides)(c. 472 BC – c. 400 BC) was an ancient Greek historian, author of the History of the Peloponnesian War, which recounts the 5th century BC war between Sparta and Athens. This work is widely regarded a classic and represents the first work of its kind.
Biography information from Wikiquote
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Native Name:
Θουκυδίδης
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In practice we always base our preparations against an enemy on the assumption that his plans are good; indeed, it is right to rest our hopes not on a belief in his blunders, but on the soundness of our provisions. Nor ought we to believe that there is much difference between man and man, but to think that the superiority lies with him who is reared in the severest school.
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