Prof. Dixon in Ancient Sikyon

"The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind;  for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see;  and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings;  fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid."

 - Livy (ca. 59 B.C. - A.D. 17), Ab Urbe Condita (From the Foundation of the City of Rome) 1.1