Quote #19

Their judgment was based more upon blind wishing than upon any sound prevision; for it is a habit of mankind to entrust to careless hope what they long for, and to use sovereign reason to thrust aside what they do not fancy.

More from Thucydides

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  2. 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.
  3. Many before now have tried to chastise a wrongdoer, and failing to punish their enemy have not even saved themselves; while many who have t…
  4. Hope, that comforter in danger!
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  6. We bless your simplicity but do not envy your folly.
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