Thucydides Daily Reader

We must also bear in mind that we have only recently begun to recover from a devastating plague and from war, with considerable benefit to both our property and our population. It is only right that we should use these resources for ourselves at home, rather than squandering them on these exiles who have every reason to present their case as attractively as possible—men who contribute nothing but words while leaving others to face the actual dangers. If they succeed, they will show no real gratitude; if they fail, they will drag their supporters down with them. And if there is anyone here who is thrilled at being chosen to command and is urging you to undertake this expedition purely for his own purposes—especially if he is still too young to hold command—someone who wants to be admired for his racing stable but hopes to offset its enormous costs through the profits of his position, do not allow such a person to pursue his personal glory at the expense of our city's safety. Remember that such men damage the public good while wasting their private fortunes, and that this matter is too important to be decided by a young man or to be rushed into without careful consideration.

When I see such people now sitting beside that individual, summoned here by him, I am filled with alarm. In response, I call upon any older citizens who may find themselves sitting next to such a person not to be intimidated or shamed into silence, fearing they might be thought cowardly if they don't vote for war. Instead, they should remember how rarely wishful thinking leads to success and how often careful planning does. Let them leave dreams of conquest to these reckless men, and as true patriots—at a time when our country faces perhaps the greatest danger in its history—let them raise their hands in opposition. Vote that the Sicilians should remain within the current boundaries that separate us (boundaries that no one can reasonably dispute: the Ionian Sea for coastal sailing, and the Sicilian Sea for the open crossing), free to manage their own affairs and resolve their own disputes. The Egestaeans, for their part, should be told to finish on their own the war with Selinus that they started without consulting us. And in the future, we should stop forming alliances, as has become our habit, with peoples whom we must assist in their time of need but who can never reciprocate when we need help.

And you, Prytanis, if you believe it is your responsibility to protect our commonwealth, and if you wish to prove yourself a worthy citizen, put this matter to a vote and allow the Athenians to express their opinion once more. If you fear that calling for another vote might be illegal, consider that with so many citizens supporting you, no charge of lawbreaking could stick. You would be acting as the physician to our misguided city. The essence of public service is simply this: to do as much good for your country as possible, or at the very least, to avoid doing it any harm within your power.