For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men. Make them your examples, and, esteeming courage to be freedom and freedom to be happiness, do not weigh too nicely the perils of war."[ Funeral Oration of Pericles] . Thucydides
About This Quote

When Pericles said “the whole earth is the tomb of famous men,” he was talking about the importance of living up to our past accomplishments. He wanted Athenians to think of their great leaders as examples that they can follow. At the same time, he was also saying that past great leaders are only remembered through their achievements, not their failures. As he said, “not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but…in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

Source: History Of The Peloponnesian War

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