"The meaning of words had no longer the same relation to things, but 
was changed by them as they thought proper. Reckless daring was held 
to be loyal courage; prudent delay was the excuse of a coward; 
moderation was the disguise of unmanly weakness; to know everything 
was to do nothing. Frantic energy was the true quality of a man."

Thucydides, referring to the conduct of the Athenians, his History of 
the Peloponnesian War

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