quotes

The Best Quotations

best-quotations.com
 
 

My "other" sites:



other pages

Ancient Greek Quotes

ancient Greeks

Classic Ancient Greek quotes, proverbs, maxims and phrases.

page 5 of 6


  Goals
DemosthenesΧαλεπώτερον το φυλάττειν του κτήσασθαι.

It is more difficult to preserve than to acquire.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

8 likes
Marcus AureliusΤο τα αδύνατα διώκειν μανικόν. Αδύνατον δε το τους φαύλους μη τοιαύτά τινα ποιείν.

It is crazy to want what is impossible. And impossible for the wicked not to do so.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations V, 17

4 likes
EuripidesΑλλ’ εις το κέρδος παρά φύσιν δουλευτέον.

Yet, for a man to get what he wants, he must go against his own nature and act like a slave.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Phoenissae

3 likes
  
  Direction
EpictetusΤις είναι θέλεις σαυτώ πρώτον ειπέ. Είθ’ ούτως ποίει ά ποιείς.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

4 likes
AristophanesΟύποτε ποτε ποιήσεις τον καρκίνον ορθά βαδίζειν.

You will never make the crab walk straight.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Peace

3 likes
  
  Self-Improvement
Marcus AureliusΜη ως μύρια μέλλων έτη ζην. Το χρεών επήρτηται. Έως ζης, έως έξεστιν, αγαθός γενού.

Do not act as if you are going to live ten thousand years. The inevitable hangs over you. As long as you live, while it is in your power, be good.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations IV, 16

11 likes
EpictetusΕι βούλει αγαθός είναι, πρώτον πίστευσον ότι κακός εί.

If you want to become good, first believe that you are bad.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

7 likes
  
  Dreams
HomerΚαι γαρ τ' όναρ εκ Διός εστιν.

Dreams come from Zeus.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad I

5 likes
  
  Necessity
Simonides of CeosΑνάγκα ουδέ Θεοί μάχονται.

Not even the gods fight necessity.

—  Simonides of Ceos, 556-468 BC, Ancient poet & author of epigrams

6 likes
HomerΑιδώς δ’ ουκ αγαθή κεχρημένω ανδρί παρείναι.

Timidity is not good for a man in need.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Odyssey XVII

6 likes
EpicurusΚακόν ανάγκη, αλλ’ ουδεμία ανάγκη ζην μετά ανάγκης.

Necessity is a bad thing, but there is no necessity to live with necessity.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
PlutarchΠλειν ανάγκη, ζην ουκ ανάγκη.

It is necessary to sail, it is not necessary to live.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian ‐ Πομπήιος

(general Pompey to sailors who did not want to sail because of a storm)

4 likes
HomerΠάντες δὲ θεών χατέουσ' άνθρωποι.

All men need the gods.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Odyssey III

3 likes
AeschylusΤο της ανάγκης εστί αδήριτον σθένος.

The power of necessity is irresistible.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

3 likes
Thales of MiletusΙσχυρότατον ανάγκη· κρατεί γαρ πάντων.

Strongest is Necessity because it governs all things.

—  Thales of Miletus, 643-548 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
MenanderΆπαντας αυτών κρείσσονας ανάγκη ποιεί.

Necessity makes everybody stronger.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

3 likes
  
  Self-interest
PlatoΤο δίκαιον ουκ άλλο τι ή του κρείττονος ξυμφέρον.

The “right” is nothing more than what benefits the powerful.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

25 likes
Marcus AureliusΤο τω σμήνει μη συμφέρον ουδὲ τη μελίσση συμφέρει.

What is not good for the swarm is not good for the bee.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VI, 54

5 likes
AristophanesΠατρίς γαρ εστι πάσ᾽ ίν᾽ αν πράττη τις ευ.

One’s country is wherever one does well.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Plutus

3 likes
  
  Planning
DemocritusΠροβουλεύεσθαι κρείσσον προ των πράξεων ή μετανοείν.

It is better to think before doing something than to repent later.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
EpictetusΕφ’ εκάστου έργου, σκόπει τα καθηγούμενα και τα ακόλουθα αυτού και ούτως έρχου επ’ αυτού.

For every action consider what has led to it and what follows it and thus proceed.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

5 likes
  
  Motives
Marcus AureliusΠρόσεχε τω υποκειμένω ή τη ενεργεία ή τω δόγματι ή τω σημαινομένω.

Focus on the essence of a thing, whether it be through actions or motives or appearances.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 22

((Hannibal Lecter paraphrased this…))

6 likes
Periander of CorinthΜηδέν χρημάτων ένεκα πράττειν.

Do nothing only for money.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

5 likes
PlatoΔια την των χρημάτων κτήσιν πάντες οι πόλεμοι γίγνονται.

All wars are made for the acquisition of assets.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
  
  Ambition
AeschylusΟυ γαρ δοκείν άριστος, αλλ’ είναι θέλει.

His resolve is not to seem, but to be, the best.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐  Seven against Thebes

3 likes
  
  Hope
TheocritusΘαρσείν χρη, τάχ’ αύριον έσσετ’ άμεινον. Eλπίδες εν ζωοίσιν, ανέλπιστοι δε θανόντες.

You need to have courage, because tomorrow will be better. While there's life there’s hope, and only the dead have none.

—  Theocritus, 3rd cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet

11 likes
HeraclitusΕάν μη έλπηται ανέλπιστον, ουκ εξευρήσει.

He who does not hope for the unexpected, will not find it.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
AristotleΕρωτηθείς τι έστιν ελπίς, « Εγρηγορότος», είπεν, «ενύπνιον. »

When asked what is hope, he said 'the dream of a waking man'.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
AesopΜακράς ελπίδας μισώ.

I hate long lasting hopes.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

5 likes
DemocritusΕλπίδες αι μεν των ορθά φρονεόντων εφικταί, αι δε των αξυνέτων αδύνατοι.

The hopes of the wise are attainable, those of the stupid impossible.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
Thales of MiletusΤι κοινότατον; Ελπίς. Και γαρ οις άλλο μηδέν, αύτη παρέστη.

What is common to all men? Hope. Because those who have nothing else possess hope still.

—  Thales of Miletus, 643-548 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
SolonΕλπίς γαρ η βόσκουσα τους πολλούς βροτών.

It’s hope that shepherds most people.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

3 likes
Periander of CorinthΈλπιζε ως θνητός, φείδου ως αθάνατος.

Hope as a mortal, be frugal as an immortal.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

3 likes
AeschylusΠολλών ραγεισών ελπίδων μιάς τυχών.

Many a hope hath made shipwreck, only one have I seen fulfilled.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Agamemnon

2 likes
  
  Limits
DemocritusΜη πλέω προσάπτεσθαι των δυνατών.

Do not try what is beyond your capability.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
  
  Desire
DemocritusΜείζονες γαρ ορέξεις μείζονας ενδείας ποιεύουσιν.

Excessive desires create excessive poverties.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
EpictetusΟυ πενία λύπην εργάζεται, αλλά επιθυμία.

Sorrow is not the result of poverty, but of desire.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

6 likes
MenanderΓυνή γαρ ουδέν οίδε πλην ό βούλεται.

Women know nothing excpet from what they want.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

5 likes
HomerΑλλ' ου Ζεὺς άνδρεσσι νοήματα πάντα τελευτά.

But Zeus does not bring to accomplishment all thoughts in men's minds.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet

4 likes
MenanderΒουλόμεθα πλουτείν πάντες αλλ’ ου δυνάμεθα.

We all want to get rich but we cannot.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

3 likes
DemocritusΑι περί τι σφοδραί ορέξεις τυφλούσιν εις τάλλα την ψυχήν.

Fierce desire for one thing blinds the soul to other things.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
DemocritusΗ του πλέονος επιθυμίη το παρεόν απόλλυσι.

He who desires more loses what he has now.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
  
  Options
AeschylusΤι τώνδ’ άνευ κακών;

Which of these options is without bad implications?

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Agamemnon

2 likes
  
  Security
EpictetusΟύτε ναυν εκ μιάς αγκύρας, ούτε βίον εκ μιας ελπίδος ορμιστέον.

A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

5 likes
HesiodΜικρήν νήα αινείν, μεγάλη δ’ ενί φορτία θέσθαι.

Praise a small ship, but put your freight in a large one.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -643

3 likes
  
  Promises
AeschylusΟυκ ανδρός όρκοι πίστις, αλλ’ όρκων ανήρ.

It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Fragments

6 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΑφροδίσιος γαρ όρκος ουκ εμποίνιμος.

An oath taken during sex is not valid.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

6 likes
SophoclesΌρκους εγώ γυναικός εις ύδωρ γράφω.

I inscribe the vows of a woman on water.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

4 likes
DemocritusΜικρά διδόναι μάλλον ή μεγάλα εγγυάν.

Better to give little than to promise a lot.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
AristophanesΓεωμετρήσαι βούλομαι τον αέρα υμίν διελείν τε κατά γύας.

I want to survey the air for you and parcel it into acres.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Birds

3 likes
EuripidesΗ γλώσσ’ ομώμοχ’ η δε φρην ανώμοτος.

The tongue swore but my mind was still unpledged.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Hippolytus

2 likes
  
  Choices
MenanderΒιοί γαρ ουδείς ον προαιρείται βίον.

Nobody lives the life he chooses to live.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

29 likes
EuripidesΚακώς ζην κρείσσον ή καλώς θανείν.

Better a bad life than a good death.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Iphigeneia at Aulis

7 likes
Chilon of SpartaΖημίαν αιρού μάλλον ή κέρδος αισχόν. Το μεν γαρ άπαξ λυπήσει, το δε αεί.

prefer loss to dishonest profit; the one will grieve you once, the other for ever.

—  Chilon of Sparta, 6th cent. BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

4 likes
AesopΦαγέτω με λέων και μη αλώπηξ.

I would rather be eaten by a lion than by a fox.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

3 likes
DemosthenesΠόλεμος ένδοξος, ειρήνης αισχράς αιρετώτερος.

A plausible war is preferable to a dishonorable peace.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

3 likes
  
  Moderation
CleobulusΜέτρον άριστον.

Moderation is best.

—  Cleobulus, 6th cent. BC, Ancient Greek Poet, one of the 7 sages

6 likes
MenanderΗ μεσότης εν πάσιν ασφαλέστερον.

The middleness in everything is more safe.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

5 likes
HesiodΜέτρα φυλάσσεσθαι· καιρός δ᾽ επί πάσιν άριστος.

Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -694

5 likes
DemocritusΔόξα και πλούτος άνευ συνέσεως ουκ ασφαλή κτήματα.

Glory and wealth without moderation are not secured.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
Periander of CorinthΕυτυχών μεν μέτριος ίσθι, ατυχών δε φρόνιμος.

Be moderate in prosperity, prudent in adversity.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

3 likes
Marcus AureliusΜήτε ακούσιος ενέργει μήτε ακοινώνητος μήτε ανεξέταστος μήτε ανθελκόμενος. Μήτε κομψεία την διάνοιάν σου καλλωπιζέτω, μήτε πολυρρήμων μήτε πολυπράγμων έσο.

Be not unwilling in what you do, neither selfish nor unadvised nor obstinate; let not over-refinement deck out your thought; be not wordy nor a busybody.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations III, 5

3 likes
DemocritusΚαλόν εν παντί το ίσον. Υπερβολή δε και έλλειψις ου μοι δοκέει.

In everything, enough is good. Too much or too little do not seem so.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
  
  Vain Effort
AristotleΗ φύσις μηδέν μήτε ατελές ποιεί μήτε μάτην.

Nature does nothing without purpose or in vain.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

13 likes
Marcus AureliusΌτι ουδέν ήττον τα αυτά ποιήσουσι, καν συ διαρραγής.

You may break your heart, but men will still go on as before.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VIII, 4

9 likes
  
  Accomplishment
Marcus AureliusΤοσούτου άξιος έκαστός εστιν, όσου άξιά εστι ταύτα περί ά εσπούδακεν.

Every man is worth just so much as the things are worth about which he busies himself.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 3

5 likes
  
  Searching
HeraclitusΕάν μη έλπηται ανέλπιστον, ουκ εξευρήσει.

He who does not hope for the unexpected, will not find it.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
DiogenesΆνθρωπον ζητώ.

I am looking for a human.

—  Diogenes, 410-323 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

(walking around with a lamp in broad daylight)

3 likes
  
  Decisions
HesiodΗ δε κακή βουλή τω βουλεύσαντι κακίστη.

The evil decision is most evil for him who takes it.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -266

19 likes
SophoclesΚράτιστον κτημάτων ευβουλία.

Wisdom outweighs any wealth.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Antigone

6 likes
EuripidesΑι δεύτεραι πως φροντίδες σοφώτεραι.

Seconds thoughts are invariably wiser.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Hippolytus

3 likes
  
  Action
SolonΈργμασιν εν μεγάλοις, πάσιν αδείν χαλεπόν.

In big projects it is difficult to please everyone.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

10 likes
AeschylusΈργω κ’ ουκέτι μύθω.

By deeds, not words.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

6 likes
DemocritusΔόκιμος ανήρ και αδόκιμος ουκ εξ ων πράσσει μόνον, αλλά και εξ ων βούλεται.

We can tell the worthy and the unworthy not only from what they are doing but also from what they are thinking.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
SolonΤον λόγον είδωλον είναι των έργων.

Speech is the mirror of action.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

5 likes
EpictetusΕφ’ εκάστου έργου, σκόπει τα καθηγούμενα και τα ακόλουθα αυτού και ούτως έρχου επ’ αυτού.

For every action consider what has led to it and what follows it and thus proceed.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

5 likes
Pittacus of MytileneΓνους πράττε.

Act knowing.

—  Pittacus of Mytilene, 650-570 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

4 likes
Bias of PrieneΒραδέως εγχείρει· ό δ᾽ αν άρξῃ, διαβεβαιού.

Be slow in considering, but resolute in action.

—  Bias of Priene, 625-540 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

4 likes
EpictetusΤις είναι θέλεις σαυτώ πρώτον ειπέ. Είθ’ ούτως ποίει ά ποιείς.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

4 likes
MenanderΔίκαια δράσας, συμμάχους έξεις θεούς.

If your actions have a just cause, you will have the gods as allies.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
DemocritusΛόγος γαρ έργου σκιή.

Speaking is the shadow of action.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
EuripidesΈργα μεν νεωτέρων, βουλαί δ’ έχουσι των γεραιτέρων κράτος.

The actions of the young and the decisions of the older worth more.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Melanippe

3 likes
EuripidesΛόγος γαρ τούργον ού νικά ποτέ.

For words never defeat action.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Alcmene

2 likes
  
  Being Busy
Ancient Greek proverbΛίθος κυλινδόμενος το φύκος ου ποιεί.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

6 likes
Marcus AureliusΟλίγα πρήσσε, φησίν, ει μέλλεις ευθυμήσειν.

As they say, it's better not to be busy doing too many things, if you want to be in good mood.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations IV, 24

6 likes
EuripidesΤο πολλά πράσσειν ουκ εν ασφαλεί βίου.

To meddle in many things is not safe in life

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Hippolytus

2 likes
  
  Doing
MenanderΟυδεὶς ό νοείς μεν οίδεν, ό δε ποιείς βλέπει.

Nobody knows what you think, but [everybody] sees what you do.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

8 likes
HomerΆλλοις γαρ τ’ άλλοισιν ανήρ επιτέρπεται έργοις.

Each man delights in the work that suits him best.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Odyssey XIV

7 likes
Bias of PrieneΝόει το πραττόμενον.

Think what you are doing.

—  Bias of Priene, 625-540 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

6 likes
MenanderΠράττων τα σαυτού, μη τα των άλλων σκόπει.

While you do what you have to do, don’t pay attention to what the others are doing.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

5 likes
Marcus AureliusΤι ποιείς, άνθρωπε; Τούτο ου δει προλέγειν. Αυτό φανήσεται.

You don't have to talk about what you're doing beforehand. This will be seen anyway.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations XI, 15

5 likes
MenanderΤο πολλά πράττειν πολλάς και λύπας έχει.

Doing many things brings many regrets.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
Pittacus of MytileneΟ μέλλεις πράττειν μη πρόλεγε, αποτυχών γαρ γελασθήση.

Do not say before hand what you are going to do; for if you fail, you will be laughed at.

—  Pittacus of Mytilene, 650-570 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

3 likes
  
  Effort
Ancient Greek phraseΧαλεπά τα καλά.

Good things are difficult.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

7 likes
HesiodΑρετής προπάροιθε ιδρώτα θεοί αθάνατοι θήκαν.

The gods have placed sweat before value.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -289

6 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΠόνος ευκλείας πατήρ.

Hard work is the father of good reputation.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

5 likes
EuripidesΣυν μυρίοισι τα καλά γίγνεται πόνοις.

Good things are achieved through myriads efforts.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Archelaus

4 likes
SophoclesΜικρού δ’ αγώνος ου μέγα έρχεται κλέος.

Little effort will not bring much glory.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

4 likes
PlutarchΟι πολλά βάλλοντες επιτυγχάνουσι πολλάκις.

Those who try a lot succeed a lot.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

4 likes
DemosthenesΔημοσθένης ερωτηθείς «πώς της ρητορικής περιγένου»; «Πλέον», έφη, «έλαιον οίνου δαπανήσας».

Demosthenes when asked how he became successful in rhetoric, replied “By spending more on oil than on wine.”

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

3 likes
EuripidesΟυδείς ών ράθυμος ευκλεής ανήρ, άλλ’ οι πόνοι τίκτουσι την ευδοξίαν.

No one who is slack gains a good reputation; it is hard work that leads to excellence.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Archelaos

3 likes
IsokratesΔαπανώμενος εφ’ α μη δει, ολίγος έση εφ’ α δει.

Spending efforts for things you shouldn't, you will be inadequate for things you should.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

3 likes
  
  Experience
AeschylusΠάθει μάθος.

Learning by suffering.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Agamemnon

10 likes
AeschylusΕκδιδάσκει πάνθ’ ο γηράσκων χρόνος.

Time as he grows old teaches all things.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

6 likes
SophoclesΑνήρ έννους τα καινά τοις πάλαι τεκμαίρεται.

The wise man understands the new things based on the old things.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

5 likes
AristotleΗ μεν εμπειρία τέχνην εποίησεν, η δ’ απειρία τύχην.

Experience created the art but inexperience created the luck.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
EuripidesΗ εμπειρία της απειρίας κρατεί.

Experience defeats inexperience.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Peleus

3 likes
  
  Change
HeraclitusΤα πάντα ρει και ουδέν μένει.

Everything flows, nothing stands still.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

26 likes
Marcus AureliusΟ κόσμος αλλοίωσις, ο βίος υπόληψις.

The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations IV, 3

16 likes
HeraclitusΠοταμώ ουκ έστιν εμβήναι δις τω αυτώ.

No man can step twice into the same river.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
AristotleΜεταβολή δε πάντων γλυκύ.

In all things, change is sweet.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
Marcus AureliusΦοβείταί τις μεταβολήν; τι γαρ δύναται χωρίς μεταβολής γενέσθαι;

Is somebody afraid of change? But what can take place without change?

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 18

4 likes
Marcus AureliusΠάντα εν μεταβολήι· και αυτός συ εν διηνεκεί αλλοιώσει και κατά τι φθορά, και ο κόσμος δε όλος.

All things are in the process of changing; and you yourself are in continuous mutation and in continuous wear and the whole universe too.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations IX, 19

3 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΆλλος βίος, άλλη δίαιτα.

Another life, another way of life.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

3 likes
EuripidesΜεταβολή πάντων γλυκύ.

In all things change is sweet.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Orestes

2 likes
  
  Readiness
Marcus AureliusΗ βιωτική τῃ παλαιστικᾑ ομοιοτέρα ήπερ τῃ ορχηστικᾑ κατά το προς τα εμπίπτοντα και ού προεγνωσμένα έτοιμος και απτώς εστάναι.

The art of life is more like the wrestler's art than the dancer's, in respect of this, that it should stand ready and firm to meet onsets which are sudden and unexpected.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 61

18 likes
HesiodΟυκ αεί θέρος εσσείται, ποιείσθε καλιάς.

It will not always be summer, build barns.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -503

3 likes
  
  Diligence
Marcus AureliusΈσω βλέπε· μηδενός πράγματος μήτε η ιδία ποιότης μήτε η αξία παρατρεχέτω σε.

Look beneath the surface; let not the inherent quality of a thing nor its worth escape you.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VI, 3

6 likes
PlutarchΜηδέν της τύχης, αλλά πάντα της ευβουλίας και της προνοίας.

Nothing depends on luck, but all on good judgment and diligence.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

5 likes
AntiphanesΤη επιμελεία πάντα δούλα γίγνεται.

We can get on top of everything by diligence.

—  Antiphanes, 405-335 BC, Ancient comic poet

3 likes
MenanderΑλωτά γίγνεται επιμελεία και πόνω άπαντα.

Everything is achievable through diligence and effort.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

3 likes
PlutarchΤα χαλεπά ταις επιμελείαις αλίσκεται.

Difficulties are overcome with diligence.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

3 likes
  
  Persistence
HesiodΕι γαρ κεν και σμικρόν επί σμικρώ καταθείο και θαμά τούτ᾽ έρδοις, τάχα κεν μέγα και το γένοιτο.

If you should put even a little on a little, and should do this often, soon this too would become big.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -361

2 likes
  
  Opportunity
Pittacus of MytileneΚαιρόν γνώθι.

Know the right time.

—  Pittacus of Mytilene, 650-570 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

17 likes
HippocratesΧρόνος εστίν εν ώ καιρός, και καιρός εν ώ χρόνος ου πολύς.

Time is that wherein there is opportunity, and opportunity is that wherein there is no great time

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

12 likes
DemocritusΟυκ έστιν ούτως ασφαλής πλούτου πυλεών, όν ουκ ανοίγει τύχης καιρός.

There is no gate to wealth so secure that could not be opened by a lucky opportunity.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
  
  Enthusiasm
SophoclesΟυ τοις αθύμοις η τύχη ξυλλαμβάνει.

Fortune never helps the fainthearted.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

11 likes
  
  Willingness
Marcus AureliusΜήτε ακούσιος ενέργει μήτε ακοινώνητος μήτε ανεξέταστος μήτε ανθελκόμενος. Μήτε κομψεία την διάνοιάν σου καλλωπιζέτω, μήτε πολυρρήμων μήτε πολυπράγμων έσο.

Be not unwilling in what you do, neither selfish nor unadvised nor obstinate; let not over-refinement deck out your thought; be not wordy nor a busybody.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations III, 5

3 likes
  
  Ways & Means
ArchimedesΔως μοι πα στω και ταν γαν κινάσω.

Give me a place to stand and I shall move the earth.

—  Archimedes, 287-212 BC, Ancient Greek mathematician & inventor

10 likes
AristotleΔει γαρ την μεν τέχνην χρήσθαι τοις οργάνοις, την δε ψυχήν τω σώματι.

Each art must use its tools, each body its soul.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

9 likes
AristotleΗ χειρ όργανόν εστιν οργάνων.

The hand is the instrument of instruments.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
ArchytasΑν μη πηλόν τύψης, κέραμος ου γίνεται.

If you do not hit the clay, you cannot make tile.

—  Archytas, 428-347 BC, Ancient philosopher & statesman

5 likes
EuripidesΔιάφοροι δε φύσεις βροτών, διάφοροι δε τρόποι.

As the men’s nature differ, so do their ways.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Iphigeneia at Aulis

4 likes
HippocratesΟκόσα φάρμακα ουκ ιήται, σίδηρος ιήται, όσα σίδηρος ουκ ιήται, πυρ ιήται όσα δε πυρ ουκ ιήται, ταύτα χρη νομίζειν ανίατα.

Those diseases which medicines do not cure, iron cures; those which iron cannot cure, fire cures; and those which fire cannot cure, are to be reckoned wholly incurable.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

(iron=knife, fire=searing iron)

4 likes
HippocratesΕς δε τα έσχατα νουσήματα αι έσχαται θεραπείαι ες ακριβείην, κράτισται.

Extreme remedies are the best for extreme diseases.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

3 likes
  
  Adversity
DemocritusΑνδρείη τας άτας μικράς έρδει.

Courage makes misfortunes seem small.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
EuripidesΟυδείς δε θνητών ταις τύχαις ακήρατος.

There is not a man alive who has wholly escaped misfortune.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Heracles

5 likes
Bias of PrieneΑτυχή είναι τον ατυχίαν μη φέροντα.

It is misfortune not to be able to bear misfortune.

—  Bias of Priene, 625-540 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

4 likes
DemocritusΟι εκούσιοι πόνοι την των ακουσίων υπομονήν ελαφροτέραν παρασκευάζουσι.

Efforts performed willingly give patience to endure what happens unwillingly.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
Periander of CorinthΕυτυχών μεν μέτριος ίσθι, ατυχών δε φρόνιμος.

Be moderate in prosperity, prudent in adversity.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

3 likes
EuripidesΣη πατρίς εν γαρ τοις πόνοισιν αύξεται.

Your country becomes great when in trouble.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ The Suppliants

3 likes
EuripidesΣυν τοίσι δεινοίς αύξεται κλέος βροτοίς.

With such adversity the glory of men grows.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

  
  Easiness
PlatoEυ αν έχοι ... ει τοιούτον είη η σοφία ωστ᾽ εκ του πληρεστέρου εις το κενώτερον ρείν ημών…

I only wish that wisdom were the kind of thing that flowed … from the vessel that was full to the one that was empty.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
AristophanesΟ δ’ εύκολος μεν ενθάδ’ εύκολος δ’ εκεί.

He was easy here, will be easy there.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Frogs

(about the deceased Sophocles)

9 likes
EucliidΜη είναι βασιλικήν ατραπόν επί γεωμετρίαν.

There is no royal road to geometry.

—  Eucliid, 4th-3rd cent. BC, Greek mathematician, the “father of geometry”

(his answer to the king of Egypt Ptolemy, who asked for a shorter way to learn Geometry)

5 likes
  
  Problems & Solutions
Alexander the GreatΌ,τι δεν λύεται κόπτεται.

What cannot be resolved, it is cut.

—  Alexander the Great, 356-323 BC, King of Macedon

(cutting the Gordian Knot)

5 likes
DemosthenesΠάντ’ εστίν εξευρείν, αν μη τον πόνον φεύγη τις.

There is always a way if one does not avoid hard work.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

3 likes
HippocratesΕς δε τα έσχατα νουσήματα αι έσχαται θεραπείαι ες ακριβείην, κράτισται.

Extreme remedies are the best for extreme diseases.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

3 likes
  
  Risk
EuripidesΤο τολμάν δ' αδύνατ' ανδρός ου σοφού.

To dare the impossible is no mark of a wise man.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Helen

2 likes
  
  Help
SolonΑπορίαν γαρ δει βοηθείν, ουκ αργίαν εφοδιάζειν.

We must help the poor, not encourage idleness.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

5 likes
  
  Duty
EpictetusΤα καθήκοντα ταις σχέσεσι προσμετρείται.

The duties count in addition to relations.

—  Epictetus, 50-120 AD, Ancient Greek Stoic philosopher

(for the things a philosopher should not neglect)

3 likes
  
  Synergies
Marcus AureliusΤο τω σμήνει μη συμφέρον ουδὲ τη μελίσση συμφέρει.

What is not good for the swarm is not good for the bee.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VI, 54

5 likes
Marcus AureliusΠεποίηκά τι κοινωνικώς; ουκούν ωφέλημαι.

I did something for the society. Therefore I benefited myself.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐  Meditations XI,4

4 likes
DemocritusΑπό ομονοίης τα μεγάλα έργα.

From concord come the great achievements.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
  
  Teamwork
Ancient Greek phraseΜία μέλισσα μέλι ου ποιεί.

One bee alone does not make honey.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

7 likes
AesopΗ ισχύς εν τη ενώσει.

The strength lies in the union.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

3 likes
Marcus AureliusΓεγόναμεν γαρ προς συνεργίαν ως πόδες, ως χείρες, ως βλέφαρα, ως οι στοίχοι των άνω και κάτω οδόντων. Το ούν αντιπράσσειν αλλήλοις παρά φύσιν.

We were born for mutual assistance, as the feet, the hands, the eyelids, as the rows of the upper and under teeth. So to fight each other is not natural.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations ΙΙ, 1

3 likes
  
  Work
EpicurusΕξ εργασίας θηριώδους ουσίας μεν πλήθος συσσωρεύεται, βίος δε ταλαίπωρος συνίσταται.

A large fortune is accumulated by extremely hard work, but [thus] life becomes miserable.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
HesiodΈργον δ’ ουδέν όνειδος, αεργίη δε τ’ όνειδος.

Work is no disgrace: it is idleness which is a disgrace.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -311

4 likes
SophoclesΠόνου μεταλλαχθέντος, πόνοι γλυκείς.

Variety at work, makes the work sweet.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

4 likes
DemocritusΟι φειδωλοί τον της μελίσσης οίτον έχουσιν εργαζόμενοι ως αεί βιωσόμενοι.

Misers have the fate of the bee working as if they are going to live for ever.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
AeschylusΦιλεί δε τω κάμνοντι συσπεύδειν θεός.

God loves to assist the man who works hard.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

3 likes
AeschylusΩ πολλά μισηθείσα χειρωναξία!

Oh handicraft that I hate so much!

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

2 likes
EuripidesΤας τύχας εκ των πόνων εράν.

Seek your fortunes by hard work.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

2 likes
  
  Doctors
HippocratesΟ βίος βραχύς, η δε τέχνη μακρή, ο δε καιρός οξύς, η δε πείρα σφαλερή, η δε κρίσις χαλεπή.

Life is short and Art long; the opportunity fleeting, experience deceitful, and judgment difficult.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

(the first phrase in the “Aphorisms”)

46 likes
HippocratesΟυκ ένι ιατρικήν είδέναι, όστις μη οίδεν ό τι εστίν άνθρωπος.

It is not possible to know medicine without knowing what a human is.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

40 likes
HippocratesΑσκείν περί τα νοσήματα δύο, ωφελείν ή μη βλάπτειν.

As to diseases, make a habit of two things, to help, or at least, to do no harm.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

6 likes
HippocratesΟκόσα φάρμακα ουκ ιήται, σίδηρος ιήται, όσα σίδηρος ουκ ιήται, πυρ ιήται όσα δε πυρ ουκ ιήται, ταύτα χρη νομίζειν ανίατα.

Those diseases which medicines do not cure, iron cures; those which iron cannot cure, fire cures; and those which fire cannot cure, are to be reckoned wholly incurable.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

(iron=knife, fire=searing iron)

4 likes
HomerΙητρὸς γαρ ανήρ πολλών αντάξιος άλλων.

A physician is worth more than several other men put together.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad XI

3 likes
HippocratesΕς δε τα έσχατα νουσήματα αι έσχαται θεραπείαι ες ακριβείην, κράτισται.

Extreme remedies are the best for extreme diseases.

—  Hippocrates, 460-370 BC, Ancient Greek physician, the “Father of Medicine”

3 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΆλλων ιατρός, αυτός έλκεσι βρύων.

Being a doctors for the others, he is himself full of ulcers.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

3 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΦιλούσι ιατροί λέγειν τά φαύλα μείζω.

The doctors like to overstate the bad things.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

3 likes
AthenaeusΕι μη ιατροί ήσαν, ουδέν αν ην των γραμματικών μωρότερων.

If doctors did not exist, there would be none more stupid than teachers.

—  Athenaeus, 2nd-3rd cent. AD, Ancient Greek writer from Egypt

  
  Career
Ancient Greek proverbΌφις ει μη φάγοι όφιν, δράκων ου γενήσεται.

A snake will not become a dragon unless it eats a dragon.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

5 likes
DemosthenesΜέγας εκ μικρού και ταπεινού.

Risen to greatness from small and humble beginnings.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

(of Philip of Macedonia)

4 likes
  
  Expertise
Ancient Greek proverbΈρδοι τις ήν έκαστος ειδείη τέχνην.

Let each man exercise the art he knows.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

3 likes
  
  Leadership
AgathonΤον άρχοντα τριών δει μέμνησθαι: Πρώτον ότι ανθρώπων άρχει. Δεύτερον ότι κατά νόμους άρχει. Τρίτον ότι ουκ αεί άρχει.

Every ruler must remember three things. Firstly, that he rules men; secondly, that he rules according to law, and thirdly, that he does not rule for ever.

—  Agathon, 450-400 BC, Ancient Greek tragic poet

6 likes
AeschylusΦιλεί ωδίνας τίκτειν νυξ κυβερνήτη σοφώ.

The night likes to cause pain to the wise ruler.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Libation bearers

5 likes
SolonΆρχεσθαι μαθών άρχειν επιστήσει.

He who has learned how to obey will know how to command.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

4 likes
EuripidesΠόλλ’ ανδρί βασιλεί και στρατηλάτη μέλει.

A king and a general has many cares.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Iphigeneia at Aulis

4 likes
HomerΟυκ αγαθόν πολυκοιρανίη. Είς κοίρανος έστω, είς βασιλεύς.

Many leaders is not a good thing. Let there be one ruler, one king.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad II

3 likes
Chilon of SpartaΤον άρχοντα χρήναι μηδέν φρονείν θνητόν, αλλά πάντ’ αθάνατα.

A ruler should consider nothing mortal, but everything immortal.

—  Chilon of Sparta, 6th cent. BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

3 likes
AristophanesΕρέτην χρήναι πρώτα γενέσθαι πριν πηδαλίοις επιχειρείν.

You should have served as an oarsman before you try to take the helm.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Knights

3 likes
HesiodΠολλάκι και ξύμπασα πόλις κακού ανδρός απηύρα.

Often an entire city has suffered because of an evil man.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -240

2 likes
  
  Money
AeschylusΩς τοις θανούσι πλούτος ουδέν ωφελεί.

For wealth is useless to the dead.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Persians

16 likes
MenanderΑνήρ δίκαιος πλούτον ουκ έχει ποτέ.

A fair man never becomes rich.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

10 likes
IsokratesΔόξα δε χρημάτων ουκ ωνητή.

You cannot buy glory with money.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

5 likes
DemocritusΟ χρημάτων παντελών ήσσων ουκ αν ποτέ είη δίκαιος.

A man completely enslaved to money will never be just.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
Periander of CorinthΜηδέν χρημάτων ένεκα πράττειν.

Do nothing only for money.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

5 likes
ThucydidesΈστιν ο πόλεμος ουχ όπλων το πλέον, αλλά δαπάνης.

War is a matter not so much of arms as of expenditure.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

4 likes
PindarΝεύρα πολέμου χρυσός.

Gold is the nerves of the war.

—  Pindar, 522-438 BC, Ancient Greek lyric poet

4 likes
MenanderΕάν δ’ έχωμεν χρήμαθ’, έξομεν φίλους

If we have money, we shall have friends.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
SocratesΟύτε ίππω χωρίς χαλινού ούτε πλούτω χωρίς λογισμού δυνατόν ασφαλώς χρήσασθαι.

It is not safe to handle neither a horse without bridle nor wealth without thinking.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

4 likes
DemosthenesΔει δε χρημάτων, και άνευ τούτων ουδέν εστι γενέσθαι των δεόντων.

Tis money we need; for without money nothing can be done.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

3 likes
EuripidesΟ πλούτος, ανθρωπίσκε, τοις σοφοίς θεός, τα δ’ άλλα κόμποι και λόγων ευμορφία.

Wealth, little man, is the god of the wise, the rest is show and fancy talk.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Cyclops

3 likes
AristophanesΚλάετ’ ω ‘βολοστάται, αυτοί τε και ταρχαία και τόκοι τόκων.

Weep, moneylenders, yourselves and your money and your interest’s interest.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Clouds

2 likes
EuripidesΜη πλούτον είπης. Ουχί θαυμάζω θεόν, ον χω κάκιστος ραδίως εκτήσατο.

Speak not of wealth. I cannot admire a god whom even the wickedest man can get into a hold.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Aeolus

2 likes
HesiodΧρήματα δ᾽ ουχ αρπακτά. Θεόσδοτα πολλόν αμείνω.

Wealth should not be seized; god-given wealth is much better.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -320

2 likes
  
  The Rich
PlatoΟυκ εισίν οι παμπλούσιοι αγαθοί.

The very rich are not good.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

9 likes
SolonΠολλοί τοι πλουτούσι κακοί, αγαθοί δε πένονται. Αλλ᾽ ημείς τούτοις ού διαμειψόμεθα της αρετής τον πλούτον.

For often evil men are rich, and good men poor. But we will not exchange with them our virtue for their wealth.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

6 likes
SolonΤον κόρον υπό του πλούτου γεννάσθαι, την δε ύβριν υπό του κόρου.

Satiety comes of riches and hubris comes of satiety.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

5 likes
EuripidesΣκαιόν το πλουτείν κ’ άλλο μηδέν ειδέναι.

It’s terrible to become rich and to know nothing else.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

4 likes
DemocritusΠλούτος από κακής εργασίης περιγενόμενος επιφανέστερον το όνειδος κέκτηται.

Riches derived from evil deeds make the disgrace more conspicuous.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
Chilon of SpartaΤι εστί πλούτος; Θησαυρός κακών, εφόδιον ατυχημάτων, χορηγία πονηρίας.

What is wealth? A treasury of evils, a supply of bad luck, a gift of wickedness.

—  Chilon of Sparta, 6th cent. BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

3 likes
SophoclesΠρος γαρ τον έχοντα ο φθόνος έρπει.

Envy crawls towards the rich man.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Αίας

3 likes
  
  Possessions
EpicurusΕξ εργασίας θηριώδους ουσίας μεν πλήθος συσσωρεύεται, βίος δε ταλαίπωρος συνίσταται.

A large fortune is accumulated by extremely hard work, but [thus] life becomes miserable.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
IsokratesΣοφία μόνον κτημάτων αθάνατον.

Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

6 likes
EuripidesΆριστον ανδρί κτήμα συμπαθής γυνή.

The best possession of a man is a sympathetic woman.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Antigone

4 likes
EuripidesΜισεί γαρ ο θεός την βίαν, τα κτητά δε κτάσθαι κελεύει πάντας ουκ ες αρπαγάς.

God hates violence and bids all men acquire their possessions without stealing.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Helen

3 likes
  
  Luxury
Ancient Greek phraseΟυ παντός πλειν ες Κόρινθον.

Sailing to Corinth is not for everyone.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

5 likes
  
  Waste
PlutarchΟυδέποτε απορία χρημάτων εγέννησεν ασωτίαν.

The lack of money never caused prodigality.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

3 likes
DemocritusΑνοήμονες των απεόντων ορέγονται τα δε παρεόντα αμαλδύνουσιν.

Fools yearn for what is gone and waste what they have.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
  
  Profits & Gains
Diphilos of SifnosΤα πονηρά κέρδη τας μεν ηδονάς έχει μικράς, τας δε λύπας μακράς.

Dishonest gain has short pleasures and long sorrows.

—  Diphilos of Sifnos, c. 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek epic poet

6 likes
Chilon of SpartaΖημίαν αιρού μάλλον ή κέρδος αισχόν. Το μεν γαρ άπαξ λυπήσει, το δε αεί.

prefer loss to dishonest profit; the one will grieve you once, the other for ever.

—  Chilon of Sparta, 6th cent. BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

4 likes
AeschylusΚέρδει κέρδος άλλο τίκτεται.

Gain upon gain, and interest to boot!

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Seven against Thebes

3 likes
DemocritusΚακά κέρδεα ζημίαν αρετής φέρει.

Evil gains bring loss of virtue.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
HesiodΜη κακά κερδαίνειν: κακά κέρδεα ισ᾽ αάτησιν.

Do not seek evil gains; evil gains are the equivalent of disaster.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -352

2 likes
  
  Measurements
ProtagorasΠάντων χρημάτων μέτρον έστιν άνθρωπος.

Man is the measure of all things.

—  Protagoras, 487-412 BC, Ancient Greek sophist

49 likes
AristophanesΓεωμετρήσαι βούλομαι τον αέρα υμίν διελείν τε κατά γύας.

I want to survey the air for you and parcel it into acres.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Birds

3 likes
  
  Debt & Borrowing
MenanderΤα δάνεια δούλους τους ελευθέρους ποιεί.

Loans make slaves out of free men.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

5 likes
  
  Corruption
Periander of CorinthΔωροδόκει χρησίμως.

Bribe effectively.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

3 likes
  
  Food
SocratesΟι μεν λοιποί ζώσιν ίνα εσθιώσιν, αυτός δε εσθίω ίνα ζω.

Others live to eat, myself I eat to live.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

13 likes
AristotleΤα φυτά των ζώων ένεκέν εστι και τα ζώα των ανθρώπων χάριν.

Plants exist for the sake of animals and animals for the sake of men.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
DiogenesΕι μεν πλούσιος, όταν θέλη· ει δε πένης, όταν έχη.

If a rich man, when you will; if a poor man, when you can.

—  Diogenes, 410-323 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

(his idea for the proper time for lunch)

4 likes
  
  Pleasures
PlatoΗδονήν, μέγιστον κακού δέλεαρ.

Pleasure, a most mighty lure to evil.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

25 likes
Periander of CorinthΑι μεν ηδοναί φθαρταί, αι δε τιμαί αθάνατοι.

Pleasures are transient, honors are immortal.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

17 likes
DemocritusΗδοναί άκαιροι τίκτουσιν αηδίας.

Untimely pleasures produce aversion.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
HerodotusΕι εθέλοι κατεσπουδάσθαι αιεί μηδέ ες παιγνίην το μέρος εωυτόν ανιέναι, λάθοι αν ήτοι μανείς ή ό γε απόπληκτος γενόμενος.

If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.

—  Herodotus, 480-420 BC, Ancient Greek historian, the “ father of History”

7 likes
Periander of CorinthΑι μεν ηδοναί θνηταί αι δε αρεταί αθάνατοι.

Pleasures are mortal while the virtues are immortal.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

5 likes
HeraclitusΧαλεπώτερον ηδονῇ μάχεσθαι ή θυμῷ.

It is harder to fight against pleasure than against anger.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
AristippusΚρατεί ηδονής ουχ’ ο απεχόμενος, αλλ’ ο χρώμενος μεν, μη προεκφερόμενος δε.

The continent man is not he who avoids pleasure, but having tasted it, is not carried to excess.

—  Aristippus, 435-355 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
SolonΗδονήν φεύγε, ήτις λύπην τίκτει.

Avoid a pleasure which brings sorrow.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

4 likes
EuripidesΒραχεία τέρψις ηδονής κακής.

The enjoyment from a cheap pleasure is short.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Erechtheus

4 likes
MenanderΕξ ηδονής γαρ φύεται το δυστυχείν.

The root of misfortune is pleasure seeking.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
AntisthenesΜανείην μάλλον ή ησθείην.

I'd rather be mad than seek pleasure.

—  Antisthenes, 445-360 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

3 likes
DemocritusΤων ηδέων τα σπανιώτατα γινόμενα μάλιστα τέρπει.

Among the things that give pleasure, the rarest give the greatest joy when they happen.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
EuripidesΟυκ έστιν όστις ηδέως ζητών βιούν εύκλειαν εισεκτήσατο.

It is not possible to reach greatness by living a life of pleasure

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Archelaus

3 likes
DemocritusΗδονήν ου πάσαν, αλλά την επί τω καλώ αιρείσθαι χρεών.

Do not seek every pleasure but choose the one which leads to something good.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
  
  Feasts
DemocritusΒίος ανεόρταστος μακρά οδός απανδόχευτος.

A life without feasts is like a long road without taverns.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
SolonΟυδείς αν μωρός σιωπάν εν συμποσίω δύναται.

No fool can be silent at a feast.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

2 likes
  
  Holidays
TheocritusΑεργοίς αιέν εορτά.

For the lazy it is always the holidays.

—  Theocritus, 3rd cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet

7 likes
  
  Drinking
AeschylusΚάτοπτρον είδους χαλκός εστί, οίνος δε νοός.

Bronze is the mirror of the form; wine, of the heart.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

8 likes
PlutarchΤω μεθύειν το εράν όμοιόν εστι. Ποιεί γαρ θερμούς και ιλαρούς και διακεχυμένους.

Being drunk is the same with being in love: it makes people warm and cheerful and loose.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

6 likes
HomerΑνδρί δε κεκμηώτι μένος μέγα οίνος αέξει.

When a man is exhausted, wine will build his strength.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad VI

5 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΤο εν τη καρδία του νήφοντος επί της γλώττης εστί του μεθύοντος.

What is in the heart of the sober is in the mouth of the drunk.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

4 likes
AristophanesΌταν πίνωσιν άνθρωποι τότε πλουτούσι, διαπράττουσι, νικώσιν δίκας, ευδαιμονούσιν, ωφελούσι τους φίλους.

When men drink, they are rich, they are successful, they win, they are happy and they are helpful to their friends.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Knights

3 likes
DemosthenesΔημοσθένης ερωτηθείς «πώς της ρητορικής περιγένου»; «Πλέον», έφη, «έλαιον οίνου δαπανήσας».

Demosthenes when asked how he became successful in rhetoric, replied “By spending more on oil than on wine.”

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

3 likes
AristophanesΑλλ’ εξένεγκέ μοι ταχέως οίνου χοά, τον νουν ιν’ άρδω και λέγω τι δεξιόν.

Quickly, bring me a flagon of wine, to soak my brain and say something smart.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright

2 likes
  
  Theater
DemocritusΟ κόσμος σκηνή, ο βίος πάροδος. Ήλθες, είδες, απήλθες.

The world is a stage, life is a passage. You came, you saw, you departed.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

37 likes
  
  Cause & Effect
AristotleΆνευ αιτίου ουδέν εστιν.

Nothing is without a cause.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
DemocritusΜηδέν εκ του μη όντος γίνεσθαι μηδ’ ες το μη ον φθείρεσθαι.

Nothing comes of nothing and nothing disintegrates into nothing.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
PlutarchΟυδέν ατέκμαρτον, ουδέν τυφλόν.

Nothing without cause, nothing without effect.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

3 likes
AeschylusΒούλευμα μεν το Δίον, Ηφαίστου δε χειρ.

The will of Zeus, the hand of Hephæstus.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

((for the torture of Prometheus))

2 likes
  
  Results
EuripidesΚακής απ’ αρχής γίγνεται τέλος κακόν.

A bad beginning makes a bad ending.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Aeolus

11 likes
DemocritusΤόλμα πρήξιος αρχή, τύχη δε τέλεος κυρίη.

Boldness is the beginning of action. But fortune controls how it ends.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

9 likes
  
  Conclusion
SolonΤα αφανή τοις φανεροίς τεκμαίρου.

Analyze the unknown based on the known.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

8 likes
Marcus AureliusΠρόσεχε τω υποκειμένω ή τη ενεργεία ή τω δόγματι ή τω σημαινομένω.

Focus on the essence of a thing, whether it be through actions or motives or appearances.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 22

((Hannibal Lecter paraphrased this…))

6 likes
  
  Events
DemosthenesΤο μέλλον άδηλον πάσιν ανθρώποις και μικροί καιροί μεγάλων πραγμάτων αίτιοι γίγνονται.

The future is hidden from all men and great events hang on small chances.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

13 likes
DemosthenesΠρος γαρ το τελευταίον εκβάν, έκαστον των πριν υπαρξάντων κρίνεται.

Everything in the past is judged by the outcome of the last event.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

5 likes
  
  Success & Failure
PlutarchΚαι κυβερνήτης αγαθός ενίοτε ναυαγεί· και ανήρ σπουδαίος ατυχεί.

Even a good captain could be shipwrecked. And a great man can fail.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

4 likes
EuripidesΕυτυχούντες ουκ επίστανται φέρειν.

Those who succeed don’t know how to behave correctly.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ The Suppliants

4 likes
AeschylusΟυκ αν φορητός είης, ει πράσσοις καλώς.

You will not be tolerated if you are successful.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

3 likes
Thales of MiletusΤι ήδιστον; το επιτυγχάνειν.

What is the most pleasant thing? To succeed.

—  Thales of Miletus, 643-548 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΑτυχείν έξεστιν, αμελείν ουκ έξεστιν.

It is acceptable to fail, it is not acceptable to be negligent.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

3 likes
EuripidesΠρος τας τύχας γαρ τας φρένας κεκτήμεθα.

The credit we get for wisdom is measured by our success.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Hippolytus

2 likes
  
  Punishment
Ancient Greek proverbΖευς κολαστής των άγαν υπερφρόνων.

Zeus punishes those who are too uppity.

—  Ancient Greek proverb ‐ Children of Hercules

4 likes
HerodotusΤων μεγάλων αδικημάτων μεγάλαι εισί και αι τιμωρίαι παρά των θεών.

For great wrongdoing there are great punishments from the gods.

—  Herodotus, 480-420 BC, Ancient Greek historian, the “ father of History”

4 likes
MenanderΑνεξέταστον μη κόλαζε μηδένα.

Don't punish anyone without investigating.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
EuripidesΣχέτλια μεν έπαθες, ανόσια δ’ ειργάσω.

Cruel maybe your suffering, yet unholy were your deeds.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Electra

3 likes
  
  Happiness
SolonΜηδένα προ του τέλους μακάριζε.

Count no man happy until the end is known.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

(to Croesus, king of Lydia)

13 likes
DemocritusΕυδαιμονίη ψυχής και κακοοδαιμονίη.

Happiness comes from the soul, like unhappiness.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

12 likes
HerodotusΤην ανθρωπηίην ων επιστάμενος ευδαιμονίην ουδαμά εν τωυτώ μένουσαν.

Knowing that human happiness never remains long in the same place.

—  Herodotus, 480-420 BC, Ancient Greek historian, the “ father of History”

8 likes
Thales of MiletusΤις ευδαίμων; Ο το μεν σώμα υγιής, την δε ψυχήν εύπορος, την δε φύσιν ευπαίδευτος.

Who is happy? This is a person, who has a healthy body, is dowered with peace of mind and cultivates his talents.

—  Thales of Miletus, 643-548 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
EpicurusMελετάν ουν χρη τα ποιούντα την ευδαιμονίαν, είπερ παρούσης μεν αυτής πάντα έχομεν, απούσης δε πάντα πράττομεν εις το ταύτην έχειν.

So we must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed towards attaining it.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
Marcus AureliusΕν ολιγίστοις κείται το ευδαιμόνως βιώσαι.

Happiness in life depends on very few things.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 67

6 likes
EuripidesΟ μέγας όλβος ού μόνιμος εν βροτοίς.

The great happiness is not lasting among mortals.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Orestes

4 likes
SophoclesΕυδαίμονες οίσι κακών άγευστος αιών.

Happy are those who have never experienced misfortune.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Αντιγόνη

4 likes
DemocritusΟύτε σώμασιν ούτε χρήμασιν ευδαιμονούσιν άνθρωποι, αλλ’ ορθοσύνη και πολυφροσύνη.

Men do not get happy from bodies or from money, but by acting right and thinking wide.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
DemocritusΕν ευτυχίη φίλον ευρείν εύπορον, εν δε δυστυχίη πάντων απορώτατον.

It is easy to find a friend in prosperity, but when you are unhappy nothing is harder.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
DemocritusΕυδαιμονίη ουκ εν βοσκήμασιν οικεί ουδέ εν χρυσώ.

Happiness does not dwell in herds nor in gold.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
AeschylusΤο δ’ ευτυχείν τοδ’ εν βροτοίς θεός τε και θεού πλέον.

To be happy is a god among men and more than a god.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Libation bearers

2 likes
  
  Perfection
PlatoΕις τελειότητα του ανθρώπου τρία δει συνδράμειν: φύσιν, μάθησιν και άσκησιν.

Three things support the perfection of a man: character, learning and practice.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

9 likes
  
  Tranquillity
EpicurusO δίκαιος αταρακτότατος, ο δ’ άδικος πλείστης ταραχής γέμων.

The just man is most free from disturbance, while the unjust is full of the utmost disturbance.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

23 likes
  
  Rise & Decline
MenanderΔρυός πεσούσης, πάς ανήρ ξυλεύεται.

When the oak tree is down, all men take wood.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

7 likes
AesopΤα μεν υψηλά ταπεινών, τα δε ταπεινά υψών.

[Zeus] is humbling the proud and exalting the humble.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

2 likes
  
  Progress
DemocritusΠόλις ευ αγομένη μεγίστη όρθωσις εστι.

A well governed state is the best environment for growth.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
  
  Victory & Defeat
PlatoΤο νικάν εαυτόν πασών νικών πρώτη και αρίστη. Το δε ηττάσθαι αυτόν υφ’ εαυτού, αίσχιστον και κάκιστον.

The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

33 likes
Pittacus of MytileneΤας νίκας άνευ αίματος ποιείσθαι.

Achieve your victories without blood.

—  Pittacus of Mytilene, 650-570 BC, one of the 7 sages of Ancient Greece

6 likes
Alexander the GreatΟυ κλέπτω την νίκην.

I do not steal victory.

—  Alexander the Great, 356-323 BC, King of Macedon

(reply to the suggestion by Parmenion, before the Battle of Gaugamela, that he attack the Persian camp during the night.)

6 likes
  
  Slavery
PlatoΔούλοι γαρ και δεσπότης ουκ αν ποτέ γένοιντο φίλοι.

Slaves and master could never be friends.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
AristotleΟι μη δυνάμενοι κινδυνεύειν ανδρείως δούλοι των επιόντων εισίν.

Those who cannot face danger like men become the slaves of any invader.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
MenanderΤα δάνεια δούλους τους ελευθέρους ποιεί.

Loans make slaves out of free men.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

5 likes
EuripidesΔούλου τόδ’ εστίν, μη λέγειν ά τις φρονεί.

Who dares not speak his free thoughts behaves like a slave.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Phoenician women

5 likes
SophoclesΟυ γαρ εκπέλει φρονείν μέγα όστις δούλος εστι των πέλας.

One who is a slave to others should not be vainglorious.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Antigone

3 likes
  
  Control
SocratesΟύτε ίππω χωρίς χαλινού ούτε πλούτω χωρίς λογισμού δυνατόν ασφαλώς χρήσασθαι.

It is not safe to handle neither a horse without bridle nor wealth without thinking.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

4 likes
SophoclesΣμικρώ χαλινώ δ’ οίδα τους θυμουμένους ίππους καταρτυθέντας.

I know they use a short bridle for wild horses.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Antigone

3 likes
  
  Fame & Glory
ThucydidesΑνδρών επιφανών πάσα η γη τάφος.

Great men have the whole earth for their tomb.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

(in Pericles' Funeral Oration)

8 likes
HomerΏλετο μεν μοι νόστος, ατάρ κλέος άφθιτον έστα.

My return home is lost, but my glory will never die.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad IX

8 likes
IsokratesΔόξα δε χρημάτων ουκ ωνητή.

You cannot buy glory with money.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

5 likes
DemocritusΔόξα και πλούτος άνευ συνέσεως ουκ ασφαλή κτήματα.

Glory and wealth without moderation are not secured.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
SophoclesΜικρού δ’ αγώνος ου μέγα έρχεται κλέος.

Little effort will not bring much glory.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

4 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΟ πλούτος θνητός, η δόξα αθάνατος.

Wealth is mortal, the glory immortal.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

3 likes
PlutarchΔόξα σεμνόν μεν αλλ’ αβέβαιον.

Glory is nice but uncertain.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

3 likes
EuripidesΩ δόξα, δόξα, μυρίοισι δη βροτών ουδέν γεγώσι βίοτον ώγκωσας μέγαν.

O fame, fame, a myriad of men, who have done nothing in their lives, you have inflated into high renown!

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Andromache

2 likes
EuripidesΣυν τοίσι δεινοίς αύξεται κλέος βροτοίς.

With such adversity the glory of men grows.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

  
  Acknowledgment
EuripidesΟιόμεσθα γαρ τον ευτυχούντα πάντ’ επίστασθαι καλώς.

We tend to believe that the successful man knows everything well.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Heraclides

2 likes
  
  Mistakes
MenanderΤο δις εξαμαρτείν τ’ αυτόν ουκ ανδρός σοφού.

To make the same mistake twice is not wise.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

10 likes
MenanderΔις προς τον αυτόν αισχρόν προσκρούσαι λίθον.

It’s a shame to stumble on the same rock twice.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

9 likes
MenanderΗ γλώσσα λανθάνουσα τ’ αληθή λέγει.

A slip of the tongue speaks the truth.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

7 likes
DemocritusΑμαρτίης αιτίη η αμαθίη του κρέσσονος.

The cause of error is ignorance of what is better.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
EuripidesΟ πλείστα πράττων, πλείσθ’ αμαρτάνει βροτών.

He who does much makes the most mistakes.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Oenomaus

3 likes
MenanderΡήμα παράκαιρον τον όλον ανατρέπει βίον.

A wrong word can turn your whole life upside down.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

3 likes
  
  Irreversible
MenanderΘανάτου μόνον ουκ έστιν επανόρθωμα.

Only in death there is no remedy.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

16 likes
Marcus AureliusΠοριείς δε, αν ως εσχάτην του βίου εκάστην πράξιν ενεργής.

Act as if every action is the last action of your life.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations II, 5

7 likes
MenanderΟ κύβος ερρίφθη.

The die is cast.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΑνερρίφθω κύβος.

Let the die be cast.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

(similar to the phrase Alea iacta est by Julius Caesar according to Plutarch)

3 likes
  
  Loss
DemocritusΗ του πλέονος επιθυμίη το παρεόν απόλλυσι.

He who desires more loses what he has now.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
EuripidesΤα μεν γαρ άλλα δεύτερα αν πάσχη γυνή, ανδρός δ’ αμαρτάνουσα, αμαρτάνει βίου.

Other misfortunes are secondary for a woman, but if she loses her husband, she loses her life.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Andromache

2 likes
  
  Uncertainty
HesiodΆλλοτε μηρτυιή πέλει ημέρη, άλλοτε μήτηρ.

Sometimes the day is a step mother, sometimes a mother.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -825

7 likes
PlutarchΔόξα σεμνόν μεν αλλ’ αβέβαιον.

Glory is nice but uncertain.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

3 likes
DemosthenesΩς ο μεν δήμος εστιν ασταθμητότατον πράγμα των πάντων και ασυνθετώτατον.

The electorate is the most unstable and unpredictable thing.

—  Demosthenes, 384-322 BC, Ancient Athenian & statesman orator

2 likes
  
  Troubles
MenanderΠάντων των αναγκαίων κακών ιατρός χρόνος εστίν.

Time is the healer of all inevitable ills.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

14 likes
EuripidesΜακρός γαρ αιών μυρίοις τίκτει πόνους.

A long life creates myriads of troubles.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Oenomaus

6 likes
DemocritusΜέγα το εν συμφορήσι, φρονέειν ά δει.

it is important to think clearly in times of trouble.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
EuripidesΠόλλ’ εφέλκεται φυγή κακά ξυν αυτή.

Running away comes with many hardships.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Medea

4 likes
Periander of CorinthΑτυχίαν κρύπτε.

Hide your misfortune.

—  Periander of Corinth, 668-584 BC, tyrant of Corinth

4 likes
MenanderΕξ ηδονής γαρ φύεται το δυστυχείν.

The root of misfortune is pleasure seeking.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

4 likes
SophoclesΕυδαίμονες οίσι κακών άγευστος αιών.

Happy are those who have never experienced misfortune.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Αντιγόνη

4 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΟυδέν κακόν ραδίως απόλλυται.

Nothing bad can be lost easily.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

4 likes
HomerΆνδρα μοι έννεπε, Μούσα, πολύτροπον, ός μάλα πολλά
πλάγχθη, επεὶ Τροίης ιερόν πτολίεθρον έπερσε.

Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Odyssey I

3 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΤων οικιών ημών εμπιμπραμένων, ημείς άδομεν.

We sing while our houses are on fire!

—  Ancient Greek phrase

3 likes
HesiodΆλλα δε μυρία λυγρά κατ’ ανθρώπους αλάληται· πλείη μεν γαρ γαία κακών, πλείη δε θάλασσα.

Other countless plagues, wander amongst men; for earth is full of evils and the sea is full.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -101

3 likes
HesiodΑίψα γαρ εν κακότητι βροτοί καταγηράσκουσιν.

For in misery men grow old quickly.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -93

2 likes
AntiphanesΩς εστι το γαμείν έσχατον του δυστυχείν.

For marriage is the worst misfortune!

—  Antiphanes, 405-335 BC, Ancient comic poet

2 likes
EuripidesΑχαλίνων στομάτων, ανόμου τ’ αφροσύνας το τέλος δυστυχία.

Of unbridled talk and lawless follies misfortune is the end.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Bacchae

2 likes
SophoclesΩ ταν, διδάσκου μη θρασύνεσθαι κακοίς.

My dear, learn from your misfortunes not to be too proud.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

  
  Suffering
AeschylusΚρείσσον γαρ εισάπαξ θανείν
ή τας απάσας ημέρας πάσχειν κακώς.

Better to die once and for all than to suffer pain for all my life.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

22 likes
Marcus AureliusΟυδέν ουδενί συμβαίνει, ό ού πέφυκε φέρειν.

Nothing happens to anybody which he is not fitted by nature to bear.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations V, 18

4 likes
EuripidesΡάον παραινείν ή παθόντα καρτερείν.

It is easier to give advice to others who suffer than bear yourself.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Alcestis

3 likes
EuripidesΑνάσχου πάσχων. Δρων γαρ έχαιρες.

Endure suffering. Because you were pleased when you made others suffering.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

3 likes
  
  Danger
AesopΟ εγγύς Διός, εγγύς κεραυνού.

He who is close to Zeus is close to thunder.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

9 likes
PlutarchΈχει κίνδυνον η ακαιρία μέγαν.

Wrong timing is very dangerous.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

5 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΟ φίλος τον φίλον εν κινδύνοις γιγνώσκει.

A friend knows his friend in danger.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

3 likes
  
  Degradation
HomerΚαι σε γέρον το πριν μεν ακούομεν όλβιον είναι.

And you, old man, we are told you prospered once.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad XXIV

(Achilles to Priam)

6 likes
Marcus AureliusΠάντα εν μεταβολήι· και αυτός συ εν διηνεκεί αλλοιώσει και κατά τι φθορά, και ο κόσμος δε όλος.

All things are in the process of changing; and you yourself are in continuous mutation and in continuous wear and the whole universe too.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations IX, 19

3 likes
AeschylusΝυν δ’ αιθέριον κίνυγμ’ ο τάλας.

And now I am the miserable sport of the wind!

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Prometheus Bound

2 likes
EuripidesΚακόν το μη έχειν. Το γένος ουκ έβοσκέ με.

It’s bad to be poor. My noble bloodline brought me no food.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Phoenician women

2 likes
  
  Poverty
DemocritusΓήρας και πενία δύο τραύματα δυσθεράπευτα.

Old age and poverty, two wounds hard to heal.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
DiogenesΠενία αυτοδίδακτος αρετή.

Poverty is a self-taught virtue.

—  Diogenes, 410-323 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

4 likes
DiogenesΕι μεν πλούσιος, όταν θέλη· ει δε πένης, όταν έχη.

If a rich man, when you will; if a poor man, when you can.

—  Diogenes, 410-323 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

(his idea for the proper time for lunch)

4 likes
TheocritusΠενία τέχνας κατεργάζεται.

Poverty awakens the arts.

—  Theocritus, 3rd cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet

4 likes
AristophanesΟυδέν γε πλην ή το πέος εν τη δεξιά.

I have nothing except the penis in my right hand.

—  Aristophanes, 445-386 BC, Ancient Greek comic playwright ‐ Clouds

4 likes
EuripidesΠένητα φεύγει πας τις εκποδών φίλος.

A poor man is abandoned by all his friends.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Medea

4 likes
EuripidesΠενία δε σοφίαν έλαχεν.

Poverty had a lack of wisdom.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Polyidus

3 likes
  
  Destruction
MenanderΘάλασσα και πυρ, και γυνή τρίτον κακόν.

Sea, fire and, the third evil, woman.

—  Menander, 4th cent. BC, Ancient Greek dramatist (New Comedy)

10 likes
HesiodΠίστεις αρ τοι ομώς και απιστίαι ώλεσαν άνδρας.

For trust and mistrust, alike ruin men.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -372

4 likes
SolonΑνδρών δ᾿ εκ μεγάλων πόλις όλλυται.

The state is destroyed by its great men.

—  Solon, 630-560 BC, Ancient Greek lawmaker & philosopher

3 likes
AeschylusΘ’ Ελέναν; επεί πρεπόντως ελέναυς έλανδρος ελέπτολις.

Helen? Ship destroyer, men destroyer, city destroyer.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Agamemnon

(a play on her name and έλω [=kill])

2 likes
  
  Hunger
AeschylusΣκότω λιμός ξύνοικος.

Hunger coexists with darkness.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Agamemnon

5 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΠεινώντι παν εστι χρήμα εδώδιμον.

For the hungry everything is edible.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

4 likes
EuripidesΠας γαρ εμπλησθείς ανήρ ο πλούσιός τε χω πένης ίσον φέρει.

Once a man be done with hunger, rich and poor are all as one.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Electra

2 likes
  

page 5 of 6











Ancient Greek quotes

 
relevant quote
What is the mind and heart for the man, is Greece for the whole world.
Goethe
 

2024: Manolis Papathanassiou