We Athenians hold that it is not poverty that is disgraceful but the failure to struggle against it. Pericles More Quotes by Pericles More Quotes From Pericles What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. Pericles education appreciation life Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. Pericles words-of-wisdom freedom courage Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors', but is an example to them. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few. But while there exists equal justice to all and alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward of merit Pericles government justice hands Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! Pericles trust witty inspirational Those who can think, but cannot express what they think, place themselves at the level of those who cannot think. Pericles levels thinking We do not say that a man who takes no interest in public affairs is a man who minds his own business. We say he has no business being here at all. Pericles business mind men I am more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs. Pericles design mistake enemy As for poverty, no one need be ashamed to admit it, the real shame is in not taking practical measures to escape from it. Pericles poverty real needs Better die standing than live kneeling. Pericles kneeling standing dies Those who can truly be accounted brave are those who best know the meaning of what is sweet in life and what is terrible, and then go out, undeterred, to meet what is to come. Pericles brave sweet inspirational In private matters everyone is equal before the law. In public matters, when it is a question of putting power and responsibility into the hands of one man rather than another, what counts is not rank or money, but the ability to do the job well. Pericles responsibility jobs men Time is the wisest counselor of all. Pericles time inspirational life Future ages will wonder at us, as the present age wonders at us now. Pericles age wonder Having knowledge but lacking the power to express it clearly is no better than never having any ideas at all. Pericles lacking-something clarity ideas Wait for the wisest of all counselors, Time. Pericles life-and-love waiting time Remember, too, that if your country has the greatest name in all the world, it is because she never bent before disaster; because she has expended more life and effort in war than any other city, and has won for herself a power greater than any hitherto known, the memory of which will descend to the latest posterity. Pericles memories war country Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all. Pericles block wisdom wise Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft. We regard wealth as something to be properly used, rather than as Pericles real mind beautiful Just because you are not interested in politics, does not mean that politics is not interested in you. Pericles society community mean If Athens shall appear great to you, consider then that her glories were purchased by valiant men, and by men who learned their duty. Pericles athens glory men
