All men's gains are the fruit of venturing.

— Herodotus

But I like not this great success of yours for I know how jealous are the gods.

— Herodotus

Circumstances rule men do not rule circumstances.

— Herodotus

Death is a delightful hiding place for weary men.

— Herodotus

Death is a delightful hiding-place for weary men.

— Herodotus

Force has no place where there is need of skill.

— Herodotus

Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.

— Herodotus

Great things are won by great dangers.

— Herodotus

Great wealth can make a man no happier than moderate means, unless he has the luck to continue in prosperity to the end. Many very rich men have been unfortunate, and many with a modest competence have had good luck. The former are better off than the latter in two respects only, whereas the poor but lucky man has the advantage in many ways; for though the rich have the means to satisfy their appetites and to bear calamities, and the poor have not, the poor, if they are lucky, are more likely to keep clear of trouble, and will have besides the blessings of a sound body, health, freedom from trouble, fine children, and good looks. Now if a man thus favored died as he has lived, he will be just the one you are looking for: the only sort of person who deserves to be called happy. But mark this: until he is dead, keep the word “happy” in reserve. Till then, he is not happy, but only lucky.

— Herodotus

He asked, 'Croesus, who told you to attack my land and meet me as an enemy instead of a friend?' The King replied, 'It was caused by your good fate and my bad fate. It was the fault of the Greek gods, who with their arrogance, encouraged me to march onto your lands. Nobody is mad enough to choose war whilst there is peace. During times of peace, the sons bury their fathers, but in war it is the fathers who send their sons to the grave.

— Herodotus