Scipio Africanus Quotes
12 quotes from Scipio Africanus — Roman general who defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama, ending the Second Punic War and establishing Rome as the dom….
“Prepare for war, since you have been unable to endure a peace.”
“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 96% how I react to it.”
“Can I call you countrymen, who have revolted from your country? Or soldiers, who have rejected the command and authority of your general, and violated your solemn oath? Can I call you enemies? I recognise the persons, faces, and dress, and mien of fellow-countrymen; but I perceive the actions, expressions, and intentions of enemies.”
“En asuntos de guerra es vergonzoso decir: no lo había pensado.”
“Go, therefore, to meet the foe with two objects before you, either victory or death. For men animated by such a spirit must always overcome their adversaries, since they go into battle ready to throw away their lives.”
“I am mindful of human weakness, and I reflect upon the might of Fortune and know that everything that we do is exposed to a thousand chances.”
“The age of generalship does not age, and it is because Scipio's battles are richer in stratagems and ruses — many still feasible today — than those of any other commander in history that they are an unfailing object lesson.”
“This battle marked the first time a Roman could envision a global perspective of future empire.”
“Think, in this tiny recess the "terror of Carthage," to whom Rome should offer thanks because she was not captured more than once, used to bathe a body wearied with work in the fields! For he was accustomed to keep himself busy and to cultivate the soil with his own hands, as the good old Romans were wont to do.”
“If all the Roman people want to make me aedile, I am old enough.”
“It is my wish not to infringe in the least upon our laws, or upon our customs; let all Roman citizens have equal rights. O my country, make the most of the good that I have done, but without me. I have been the cause of your freedom, and I shall also be its proof; I go into exile, if it is true that I have grown beyond what is to your advantage.”
“Almost the most famous man of all time.”
