history of the peloponnesian war sparknotes

In doing good, again, we are unlike others we make our friends by conferring, not by receiving favors. And they are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense both of the pains and pleasures of life, do not on that account shrink from danger.

For we have a peculiar power of thinking before we act, and of acting, too, whereas other men are courageous from ignorance but hesitate upon reflection.

For we are lovers of the beautiful in our tastes and our strength lies, in our opinion, not in deliberation and discussion, but that knowledge which is gained by discussion preparatory to action. If then we prefer to meet danger with a light heart but without laborious training, and with a courage which is gained by habit and not enforced by law, are we not greatly the better for it? Since we do not anticipate the pain, although, when the hour comes, we can be as brave as those who never allow themselves to rest thus our city is equally admirable in peace and in war. Which of these inferences is best supported by the following paragraph? While we are thus unconstrained in our private business, a spirit of reverence pervades our public acts we are prevented from doing wrong by respect for the authorities and for the laws, having a particular regard to those which are ordained for the protection of the injured as well as those unwritten laws which bring upon the transgressor of them the reprobation of the general sentiment. There is no exclusiveness in our public life, and in our private business we are not suspicious of one another, nor angry with our neighbor if he does what he likes we do not put on sour looks at him which, though harmless, are not pleasant. Neither is poverty an obstacle, but a man may benefit his country whatever the obscurity of his condition. 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. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few. Our government does not copy our neighbors’, but is an example to them.

Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. What is the central idea of this passage?

History of the peloponnesian war sparknotes