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.
Meaning of the quote
People tend to get more upset about being tricked or lied to by someone they see as their equal, rather than being forced to do something by someone with more power. The first situation feels like you're being cheated, while the second feels like you have no choice but to obey.
About Thucydides
Thucydides was an Athenian historian and general who wrote about the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. He is considered the father of ‘scientific history’ and political realism, with his work still studied today for its insights into human nature and international relations.
More quotes from Thucydides
Justice will not come to Athens until those who are not injured are as indignant as those who are injured.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
Ignorance is bold and knowledge reserved.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
Wars spring from unseen and generally insignificant causes, the first outbreak being often but an explosion of anger.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
The secret to happiness is freedom… And the secret to freedom is courage.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
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.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
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.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
History is Philosophy teaching by examples.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
Men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
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.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general
We Greeks are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.
5th-century BC Athenian historian and general