The History of the Peloponnesian War

by Thucydides

Indeed, they could not unite for this expedition till they had gained increased familiarity with the sea. And the first person known to us by tradition as having established a navy is Minos.

In fine, I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time.

For the true author of the subjugation of a people is not so much the immediate agent, as the power which permits it having the means to prevent it;

men remonstrate with friends who are in error, accusations they reserve for enemies

but the opportunities of war wait for no man.