Aristides the Just

Neither walls, theatres, porches, nor senseless equipage, make states, but men who are able to rely upon themselves.

By Themistocles alone, or with very few others, does this saying appear to be approved, which, though Alcæus formerly had produced, many afterwards claimed: "Not stones, nor wood, nor the art of artisans, make a state; but where men are who know how to take care of themselves, these are cities and walls."