Julius Caesar:

I had rather be the first man among these fellows than the second man in Rome.

— Julius Caesar Ancient

Roman dictator and conqueror

Similar to his quote about being first in a village, emphasizing his ambition.

c. 61 BCE

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Cross Reference

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"The greatest enemy is that which is within."

"The mob is a storm that must be weathered."

"The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones."

"The mob is a fire that must be stamped out."

"The die has been cast."