This confidence, combined with condescension towards Athenian enemies, led to an arrogance which ended up being the source of Athens' downfall: "We [Athenians] do not have to spend our time practicing to meet sufferings which are still in the future [as the Spartans did]; and when they are actually upon us we show ourselves just as brave as these others who are always in strict training- (The Peloponnesian War, p. 146). ... Pericles explained to his citizens that "it is right and proper for [the Athenians] to support the imperial dignity of Athens you cannot continue to enjoy the privile...

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