Pericles — "We do not get into a state with our next-door neighbour if he enjoys himself in …"

We do not get into a state with our next-door neighbour if he enjoys himself in his own way, nor do we shoot him the kind of black looks which, though they do no real harm, still vex an honest man. We are free and open in our political life; in our private lives we are not suspicious of one another, and do not get angry with our neighbour for acting as he pleases, nor do we cast sour looks at him, which though harmless, are unpleasant.
Pericles — Pericles Ancient · Athenian statesman

Get This Quote & Author's Image Illustrated On:

Click any product to generate a realistic preview (~30s). Up to 3 at a time.

More from Pericles

"We are free and open in our political life, and in our social relations we are not suspicious of one another."

"Wait for that wisest of all counselors, Time."

"It is not the man who makes the most speeches that is to be feared, but the one who acts best."

"We are a city open to the world, and we never expel a foreigner from our midst."

"Having no need to go abroad for the enjoyment of our goods, we do not deprive others of theirs."

View all sayings from Pericles

Details

From Thucydides' 'History of the Peloponnesian War', Pericles' Funeral Oration. While promoting tolerance, this statement could be interpreted as a subtle dismissal of social norms or traditional expectations of behavior, potentially seen as 'politically incorrect' by more conservative elements.

Date: 431 BC (approximate, as recorded by Thucydides)

Political
Source

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: gemini

1 source checked

Your Cart

Your cart is empty