Themistocles Quotes & Sayings

I have with me two gods, Persuasion and Compulsion. — Themistocles

He who commands the sea has command of everything. — Themistocles

I cannot fiddle, but I can make a great state from a little city. — Themistocles

The Athenians govern the Greeks; I govern the Athenians; you, my wife, govern me; your son governs you. — Themistocles

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

I never learned how to tune a harp, or play upon a lute; but I know how to raise a small and obscure city to glory and greatness ... whereto all kindreds of the earth will pilgrim. — Themistocles

Strike, if you will, but listen. — Themistocles

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