We alone regard a man who takes no interest in public affairs, not as a harmless, but as a useless character.
Athenian statesman
From Thucydides' 'History of the Peloponnesian War', Pericles' Funeral Oration. This is a highly provocative statement, essentially shaming those who are not politically active, which could be seen as divisive and intolerant of individual preferences.
431 BC (approximate, as recorded by Thucydides)
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"Who makes the fairest show means most deceit."
Humorous"For what is honored is that which is useful."
Shocking"We are free and open in our political life, and in our social relations we are not suspicious of one another."
Shocking"Those who can think, but cannot express what they think, place themselves at the level of those who cannot think."
Humorous"We are not only admirable at home, but also abroad."
Shocking