Quote of the day by Thucydides: 'Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and...'

Thucydides records Archidamus II's speech in History of the Peloponnesian War (432 BC) arguing that self-control builds self-respect, which in turn builds courage.

Archidamus II used this argument to persuade Sparta's allies against declaring immediate war on Athens, warning that impatience is not true bravery.

The wisdom highlights sophrosyne, the ancient Greek concept of balance through self-mastery, as a foundation for decision-making.