"I never learned how to tune a harp, or play upon a lute; but I know how to raise a small and inconsiderable city to glory and greatness."

Themistocles Politics See all quotes by Themistocles →

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More by Themistocles

“For the Athenians command the rest of Greece, I command the Athenians; your mother commands me, and you command your mother.”

“May I never sit on a tribunal where my friends shall not find more favor from me than strangers.”

“He who controls the sea controls everything.”

“I choose the likely man in preference to the rich man; I want a man without money rather than money without a man.”

“I have with me two gods, Persuasion and Compulsion.”

“Strike, if you will, but hear.”

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