Thucydides’ history of the Peloponnesian War, often claimed (perhaps dubiously) as a precursor to modern political science, sets forth the famous trilogy of motives said to compel states both to their imperial heights and bring them to their inevitable debasements: fear, honor and interest
http://www.the-utopian.org/2009/07/000079.html
Il leitmotiv (pronuncia IPA: [laitmo’ti:f]), in italiano motivo conduttore,
to bloom: sbocciare, periodo fiorente
to tear: to pull apart or in pieces by force, esp. so as to leave ragged or irregular edges.
To deem: considerare, ritenere
to form or have an opinion; judge; think: He did not deem lightly of the issue.
To gain: ottenere, guadagnare
to get (something desired), esp. as a result of one’s efforts: to gain possession of an object; to gain permission to enter a country. 2. to acquire as an increase or addition
To shred: to cut or tear into small pieces, esp. small strips; reduce to shreds.
