Ancient Greek Quotes2

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

I feel no shame in loving myself above all.

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

Nobody loves anybody more than himself.

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

After I die, let the world burn.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Character is destiny.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Don’t ask who is now, but who he has always been.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

True to his own spirit.

—  Inscription, in Greek, on Jim Morrison’s tombstone in Paris

It’s not easy to change a bad character.

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

Character lies in polite and friendly speaking.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Those with a well-ordered character will have a well-ordered life too.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The real ornament of woman is her character, not jewelry.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

In men, the worse things are more than the good things.

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

The character of the state reflects the character of its governors.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

The noble deeds are known and emulated by those who have a natural inclination to these things.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Good breeding for the animals means bodily strength and for the men grace of character.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Be neither naive nor nasty.

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

Everyone has within them the reserves of happiness and unhappiness.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

There is no shame in light blue eyes.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Habit is second nature.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Friendship is one soul living in two bodies.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

I think death is nothing more than the separation of two things from one another: soul and body.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

You are a little soul, carrying a corpse.

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

Happiness comes from the soul, like unhappiness.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

I think that people do not have wealth and poverty in their homes but in their souls.

—  Xenophon, 430-355 BC, Ancient Greek soldier & historian

The soul is divided into three parts: the rational, the desirous, and the emotional.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

You would not find the boundaries of the soul, no matter which path you follow. It has a deep structure.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The farmer cultivates the earth, the philosopher cultivates the soul.

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

Mind is the swiftest of things, for it runs through everything.

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

Your mind, you being here, is elsewhere.

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

Physical beauty is an animal trait, if there is no mind beneath.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Bodies destitute of brains are as statues in the marketplace.

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

It is the mind that sees and hears; everything else is deaf and blind.

—  Epicharmus of Kos, 530-440 BC, Ancient Greek poet

Nobody is my name.

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

And I, as they say, am Diogenes the dog.

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

(introducing himself to Alexander the Great)

Indulge yourself, drink, consider the day-to-day life and leave the rest to chance.

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

Love your neighbor even if it means diminishing yourself a little.

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

Never think highly of yourself, but also never despise yourself.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

Things do not look the same when viewed from far or near.

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

Slight not what's near through aiming at what's far.

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

Always consider the end of life.

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

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

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

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

Everyone has within them the reserves of happiness and unhappiness.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

Fools live without enjoying life.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Fools desire longevity without enjoying longevity.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Indulge yourself, drink, consider the day-to-day life and leave the rest to chance.

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

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”

One should not value living with many possessions, but living well.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

We live recklessly, expecting not to die.

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

What is valuable is not to live for more, but to live well.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Remember that all is opinion.

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

In big projects it is difficult to please everyone.

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

The opinions of men are toys for boys.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

We should not care much about what the many say about us, but what the one who knows about right and wrong says.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

By nature, man believes what he wishes to be true.

—  Julius Caesar, 100-44 BC, Roman general & Consul

World is decay, life is perception.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

(quoted by Marcus Aurelius in “Τα εις εαυτόν”)

Words give wings to the mind and make a man soar to heaven.

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

Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what a man wishes to be true, he generally believes to be true.

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

The one who loves becomes blind regarding the beloved.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Nobility is a good thing, but it was the achievement of your ancestors.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

The nobleman must either live well or die well.

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

There is nothing sweeter than one's homeland and parents.

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

Remember the favor you have received and forget the favor you have given.

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

Soon, you will forget everything, and soon everybody will forget you.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 21

Only joke with those who are your equals.

—  Bion of Borysthenes, c. 325-255 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

A fool laughs even when there is nothing funny.

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

Don't laugh too much, neither with many things, nor too loud.

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

Untimely laughter creates is bad luck for mortals.

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

Smiling through tears.

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

(of Andromache)

Long garments hinder the body; excessive wealth hinders the soul.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

Idols with their dresses and ornaments are beautiful but empty of heart.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

For all women silence is beauty.

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

Shyness is the citadel of beauty.

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

Beauty is better than any recommendation letter.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It’s not beauty but character that pleases husbands.

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

Your god does not give good luck to beauty.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Trojan Women

Beauty is sought with passion, yet short-lived.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

Perfection of the soul puts right the faults of the body.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is a sign of stupidity to take too much care of your body.

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

When bodies become effeminate, souls get much weaker as well.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

Health and intellect are the two blessings of life.

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

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

Sickness and health are neighbors with a common wall.

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

Health is precious but volatile.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

When the soul is sick, words are the medicine.

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

Habit is second nature.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

That which has become habitual becomes as it were natural.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

How sweet is life when fortune is not envious.

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

Fortune favors the bold

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

No mortal is fortunate to the end.

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

Fortune never helps the fainthearted.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

Do not trust good luck.

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

If god wills, you can sail even on a mat.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

I want either a drop of luck or a bucket of brains.

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

Art favored luck and luck favored art.

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

Men have made an idol of Fortune as an excuse for their own lack of willpower.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The unlucky man will be bitten even by a sheep.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

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

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

There is no man who does not blame his luck.

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

Leave everything to the will of the gods.

—  Archilochus, 725-650 BC, Ancient Greek lyric poet

A little luck changes everything in life.

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

When God helps you, he makes everything easy.

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

No one is lucky in everything.

—  Theognis of Megara, 6th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet

Character is destiny.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

One cannot evade destiny.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Nobody can escape destiny.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Love that only which happens to you and is spun with the thread of your destiny. For what is more suitable?

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 58

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

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

It is not for us to force the will of fortune.

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

It is destined for all to die.

—  Pythagoras, 580-490 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

We all came naked and we shall depart naked.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Donkeys prefer garbage to gold.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is better to be envied than pitied.

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

Goodness and truth are the same for all men. But what is pleasant is different from man to man.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The sudden and unexpected joy of all the joys it has too much sweetness.

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

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

If I were not Alexander, I should wish to be Diogenes.

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

The great pleasures come from watching beautiful deeds.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

And you, son Brutus?

—  Julius Caesar, 100-44 BC, Roman general & Consul

(his last words, spoken in Greek)

What is this word that broke through the fence of your teeth?

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

Backward to their sources flow the streams of holy rivers, and the order of things is reversed.

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

Be astonished at nothing

—  Pythagoras, 580-490 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Everything is ill-arranged, ill-managed, ill-defined.

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

The mountain labors and gives birth to a mouse.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

And of the infinite worlds, I have conquered none.

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

Waste no fresh tears over old griefs.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

(Alexandros)

Sweet is the memory of the sorrows past.

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

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

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

There is no greater grief that the loss of one’s fatherland.

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

Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.

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

Don’t be sorry about every little thing.

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

The night likes to cause pain to the wise ruler.

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

What do I gain from living? I have no country, no home, no relief from my troubles.

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

Not to be born is, past all prizing, best.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet ‐ Oedipus Coloneus l

The beds are filled with tears longing for the men.

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

Tears, the preludes of art.

—  Lucian, 120-180 AD, Ancient Syrian-Greek satirist

Kids are afraid of thunders and idiots are afraid of threats.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

No one likes one whom he fears.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Fear uses flattery without getting any favors.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Sometimes fear is a good thing.

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

A life that is afraid of life is not a life.

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

It is better to die once than to than to tremble with fear all your life.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Your very silence is as good as a confession.

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

There is no shame in light blue eyes.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

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

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

Anybody who blushes is a good man, me thinks.

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

It is a much greater shame to lose something than to fail to get it.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

The shameful is always shameful, whether it appears so or not.

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

Timidity is not good for a man in need.

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

Timidity is more beneficial to people than wrath.

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

Hesitation is a key element of temperance.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

It is not my nature to hate but to love.

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

Except for the one that gave birth to me, I hate the entire genus of women

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

Those who loved too much also hate too much.

—  Anonymous ancient tragedian

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Silence alone is not an apology.

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

I will not buy regret for ten thousand drachmas.

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

(to the courtesan Lais)

Doing many things brings many regrets.

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

The wise man should not regret but think ahead.

—  Epicharmus of Kos, 530-440 BC, Ancient Greek poet

To the strongest!

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

(about who he thought was worthy enough to succeed him)

One who thinks right is better than myriads who think wrong.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The old age of the eagle is the youth of the skylark.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Nothing is worse than a truly bad woman, and nothing better than a truly good one.

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

The gods have placed sweat before value.

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

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

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

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

The sun shines even on latrines but is not defiled.

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

Sailing to Corinth is not for everyone.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Do not try what is beyond your capability.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

No boaster he, but with a hand which sees the thing to do.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

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

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

Wise is he who knows much by nature.

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

The wise man would regulate his conduct as a citizen, not according to the established laws, but according to the law of virtue.

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

War is a school for virtue.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Virtue consists not in avoiding wrong-doing, but in having no want for it.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Pleasures are mortal while the virtues are immortal.

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

Virtue is close to us, vice is a stranger.

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

There are four properties of the perfect virtue: wisdom, justice, courage, and prudence.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Although we bless your ignorance of evil, we do not envy your stupidity.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

No one is free if he cannot subdue himself.

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

So, we must refrain from the penis.

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

Avoid a pleasure which brings sorrow.

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

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

Have patience and abstinence.

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

Control your tongue, your stomach, your genitals.

—  Anacharsis, 6th cent. BC, Scythian prince & philosopher

Abstain from beans.

—  Pythagoras, 580-490 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

(meaning: Abstain from politics)

It is more difficult to preserve than to acquire.

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

The inner dialogue of the soul was named “intellect”.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

I want either a drop of luck or a bucket of brains.

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

His foot is slow but quick his mind.

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

Wisdom outweighs any wealth.

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

Whoever knows about tragedy, knows about epics too.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The investigation of the meaning of words is the beginning of wisdom.

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

Wise is he who knows useful things, not he who knows many things.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds.

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

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

From wisdom come these three: good thinking, speaking well and doing what is right.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Medicine heals the body and wisdom removes the suffering from the souls.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

They say that time is by nature wise.

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

Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

That man is wise who can say what he wants in a minimum of words.

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

Among the rude, the wise man goes unnoticed.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

Wisdom lies in clarity.

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

Analyze the unknown based on the known.

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

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…))

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

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

Fortune favors the bold

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

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

The courageous man is the best in everything.

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

Courage makes misfortunes seem small.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

By words everybody is winged.

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

I must dare, whether I succeed or fail.

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

Love that only which happens to you and is spun with the thread of your destiny. For what is more suitable?

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 58

He is a sensible man who does not grieve for what he has not, but enjoys what he has.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Like the present things, look for the better.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

True to his own spirit.

—  Inscription, in Greek, on Jim Morrison’s tombstone in Paris

A man should be upright, not kept upright.

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

Rule yourself what is your own.

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

I hold my own mind and think apart from other men.

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

Migrating and living in a foreign land teaches self sufficiency.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Let my own louse eat me and not someone else’s.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Come and get them [the arms].

—  Leonidas, King of Sparta

(at Thermopylae, 480 BC)

Surely to die with glory is a blessing for the mortals.

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

Great men have the whole earth for their tomb.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

(in Pericles' Funeral Oration)

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

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

The happy are the free, and the free are the brave.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

The brave will dare the effort [of war], cowards are nothing nowhere.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Iphigeneia in Tauris

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)

A city cannot be considered unwalled if it is crowned with men and not with bricks.

—  Lycurgus, c. 800 BC, King of Sparta & lawmaker

True happiness is found in freedom, and true freedom in bravery.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

Tell them in Lacedaimon, stranger
That here, obedient to their word, we lie.

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

( epitaph on a commemorative stone on top of the burial mound of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae)

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is difficult to know yourself; it is easy to give advice to others.

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

Know thyself.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

(attributed to several ancient Greek sages, inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi)

Look within. Within is the fountain of the good, and it will ever bubble up, if you wilt ever dig.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VII, 59

I searched for myself.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Be what you know you are.

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

O wretched man, may you never know who you are.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

Never think highly of yourself, but also never despise yourself.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

When a good man steps down from power, he shouldn’t have become more rich, but more honored.

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

A fair man never becomes rich.

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

Put more trust in integrity of character than in an oath.

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

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

It is always better to tell the truth at every opportunity

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

You should be either honest or pretend to be.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

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

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

The good man has no envy for anyone, neither fear nor anger or hatred.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is not my nature to hate but to love.

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

How true is that a good cause always gives an opportunity for good words!

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

What thou thyself hatest, do to no man.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

Love your neighbor even if it means diminishing yourself a little.

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

A king and a general has many cares.

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

The shepherd does not sleep.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

The responsibility lies with the one who chooses, the god is not the cause.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

As mortals we should behave as mortals.

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

Live in obscurity.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

For whatever good you do, praise the gods not yourself.

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

Modesty is bad where impudence prevails.

—  Diphilos, 4th/3rd cent. BC, Ancient Greek comedian

Happiness in life depends on very few things.

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

He is a sensible man who does not grieve for what he has not, but enjoys what he has.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

If you do not want many things, the few will seem many.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Hope as a mortal, be frugal as an immortal.

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

Turn back a favor.

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

The prudence of the father is the greatest commandment for the children.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Speak to a tyrant as little as possible or as pleasantly as possible.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Do not let your tongue outrun your mind.

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

Prudence is different from the other virtues as much as vision is different from the other senses.

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

Prudence is a depository of virtue.

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

The prudent stay away from hatred and anger.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

Prudence is the coward's pretext.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

It will not always be summer, build barns.

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

The wise man should not regret but think ahead.

—  Epicharmus of Kos, 530-440 BC, Ancient Greek poet

The words of the truth are simple.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Award of the Arms

The words of truth are simple by nature.

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

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

We love beauty with simplicity and we philosophize without softness.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

(in Pericles' Funeral Oration)

Have patience and abstinence.

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

It is appropriate to obey the law, the ruler and the wiser.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Tell them in Lacedaimon, stranger
That here, obedient to their word, we lie.

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

( epitaph on a commemorative stone on top of the burial mound of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae)

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

Learn to bear bravely the changes of fortune.

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

We should be patient in the present situation and have courage for the future.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

God is not to be feared, death is not to be expected and what is good is easy to get and what is terrible is easy to endure.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

How might one bear misfortune? To see your enemy doing even worse.

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

Efforts performed willingly give patience to endure what happens unwillingly.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

We have to endure what the gods send.

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

It is misfortune not to be able to bear misfortune.

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

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

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

To the rational being only the irrational is unendurable, but the rational is endurable.

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

Men must bear the fortunes that the gods have given them.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

Ever to excel.

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

More men become good through practice than by nature.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

For me, one equals ten thousand if he is really good.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

Not in quantity is excellence, but in excellence is quantity.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Do great things without promising great things.

—  Pythagoras, 580-490 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

One, but a lion.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

The lion from a single claw.

—  Alcaeus of Mytilene, 7th-6th cent. BC, Ancient Greek lyric poet

(One can detect ability or judge someone from a small detail)

Small among the small, I shall be great among the great.

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

For the lazy it is always the holidays.

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

Idleness is the mother of all evils.

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

Daytime sleep indicates a distressed body or a troubled mind or laziness or lack of education.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

We must help the poor, not encourage idleness.

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

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

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

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

Don't be lazy, even if you're rich.

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

Birds love figs, but they don’t want to plant.

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

Diogenes said that love is the pastime of the idle.

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

The things that are not good to do are neither good to talk about.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

Many like the worst of life.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Avoid even speaking of bad deeds.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is impossible to be free if you are enslaved and dominated by your passions.

—  Pythagoras, 580-490 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Rather examine your own faults than those of the others.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Success is apt to cover a multitude of faults.

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

Nothing is blameless, but all things have faults and imperfections.

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

There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

I know that I know nothing.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

( the “Socratic paradox”; from a Latin quote which was a paraphrase of a Plato’s line and not a real saying by Socrates)

We know nothing for sure. Because the truth is hidden in the deep.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Ignorance is bold, knowledge is reserved.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

The “I don’t know” will not put me in prison.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Wisdom is the best of all things, ignorance is the worst.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Let no one untrained in geometry enter.

—  Motto over the entrance to Plato's Academy

It is better to conceal ignorance than to expose it.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The cause of error is ignorance of what is better.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Now, we do not know really what is and what is not.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Democritus said that the noble, uneducated people are like alabaster vases filled with vinegar.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is wrong to say and do what you don't know.

—  Xenophon, 430-355 BC, Ancient Greek soldier & historian

Ignorance has some kind of sweetness.

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

You know not why you live, or what you do, or who you are.

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

Ignorance with temperance is more beneficial than skill with immorality.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

Satiety comes of riches and hubris comes of satiety.

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

The empty sacs are inflated with air and the fools with conceit.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

Zeus punishes those who are too uppity.

—  Ancient Greek proverb ‐ Children of Hercules

Arrogance in full bloom bears a crop of ruinous folly from which it reaps a harvest all of tears.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

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

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

It is better to extinguish hubris than a fire.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Arrogance is the enemy of wisdom.

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

Heraclitus said that arrogance is an obstacle to progress.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

Dare to be boastful, like a cock beside his female.

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

Do not brag too much, lest you be punished too much

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Zeus utterly abhors boasting and big words.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

Do not speak praise about yourself.

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

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

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

When your god provides well, who needs friends?

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

Fools live without enjoying life.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Although we bless your ignorance of evil, we do not envy your stupidity.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

A fool will think you are an idiot if you talk sense to him.

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

For the foolish, not reason but misfortune is the teacher.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is better for fools to be ruled than to rule.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Your mind, you being here, is elsewhere.

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

One has to endure the idiocy of those who rule.

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

Once a thing has been done, even the fool sees it.

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

To make the same mistake twice is not not the act of a wise man.

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

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

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

Many, though widely read, have no sense.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

God makes a fool of whoever he wants to destroy/

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Foolish strength is very often damaging.

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

Yes, that, too is sad: To have to join company with fools!

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

Crowds with foolishness is a great evil.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

Fools, they do not even know how much more is the half than the whole.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -40

Foolishly speak the foolish.

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

The generation of the idiots is infinite.

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

The fool has the tendency to flinch at the slightest thing.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

Laws are like spider’s webs: If some poor weak creature comes up against them, it is caught; but a big one can break through and get away.

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

The things of those who are absent naturally go to those who are present, and the things of the careless go to the diligent and brave.

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

That which is used, gets stronger. That which is not used wastes away.

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

Being a woman, what can I do? How can I, alone, save myself without brother, without father, without friends?

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

The power of the body gets old, but the strength of the soul remains young.

—  Xenophon, 430-355 BC, Ancient Greek soldier & historian

When bodies become effeminate, souls get much weaker as well.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

Physical strength with good sense is beneficial, but without it, it is more harmful for those who have it.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

The strength of the city is the men, not the walls or the empty ships.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

Asked when a man should approach a woman, he said: “When he wishes to become weaker.”

—  Pythagoras, 580-490 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have no power.

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

The grapes are sour.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

(The Fox and the Grapes)

When hands are needed, helping with words has no effect.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

For things with no benefit do not try in vain.

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

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

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

False words do not bear fruit.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

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

—  Ancient Greek proverb

You cannot take from one who does not have.

—  Lucian, 120-180 AD, Ancient Syrian-Greek satirist

(response to Charos who asked for a fare for Acherusia to pass to the underworld)

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

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

Because the way we deal with the situation right now is a joke.

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

An aristocratic hand is without skills at the plough.

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

The Generals are numerous, but not good for much!

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

The lack of will is very damaging for men.

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

What soon grows old? Favor.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Poverty needs many things, but greed everything.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is greed to do all the talking and not be willing to listen.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Profit by any means is greed.

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

In all things there is saturation except wealth.

—  Theognis of Megara, 6th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet

Accumulation of wealth for the children is a pretext for avarice.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The snake would change its skin but it would not change its mindset.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

You will not persuade me, not even if you persuade me.

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

The man who loves nobody is loved by nobody.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

You will never make the crab walk straight.

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

Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.

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

The wolf will be blamed either guilty or not guilty.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

The tongue has led many men to destruction.

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

But when a man speeds toward his own ruin, god gives him help.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

Do not kick against the pricks, you will hurt yourself.

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

(it is an ancient proverb)

Man’s enemy is himself.

—  Anacharsis, 6th cent. BC, Scythian prince & philosopher

The madness of love is the greatest of the blessings of the gods.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

When speaking do not wave your hands about, as it is a sign of craziness.

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

Good men are easily deceived.

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

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

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

Where could I find a plug to stop the outpouring of my anus?

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

The number of cowards does not count in a battle.

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

What’s the use of a muscular body to a coward?

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

The man who runs away will fight anyway.

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

Prudence is the coward's pretext.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

The mother of a coward will not weep but will not rejoice either.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

The fool has the tendency to flinch at the slightest thing.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

My men have turned into women and my women into men!

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

(words of Xerxes)

Most people are bad.

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

Since life is short, don’t make it long with bad deeds.

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

Wickedness and injustice are intentional.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Be afraid of slandering even if it’s not true.

—  Isocrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

Of moral states to be avoided there are three kinds: malice, incontinence, bestiality.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A wicked woman is a depository of disasters.

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

Pigs enjoy mud more than clean water.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Women are more envious and more querulous than men.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is better to be envied than pitied.

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

The gods are envious and mess things.

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

Always envious the eye of the neighbor.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.

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

It is better to be envied than pitied.

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

The envious man torments himself like an enemy.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

You will not be tolerated if you are successful.

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

Potter bears a grudge against potter, and craftsman against craftsman, and beggar is envious of beggar, and bard of bard.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -26

Envy crawls towards the rich man.

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

He who is not enviable is not admirable.

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

A man completely enslaved to money will never be just.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Man tend to trample the fallen.

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

Ignorance is bold, knowledge is reserved.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

The bad guys dare it all.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

To become successful without deserving it encourages the fools to make evil plans.

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

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

Of unbridled talk and lawless follies misfortune is the end.

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

Many, while performing the foulest deeds, use the fairest words.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A prostitute and a politician pour similar tears.

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

Welcome words on their lips, and murder in their hearts.

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

Cheats and hypocrites are those who do everything with words and do nothing with actions.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Although they despise each other, they embrace each other, and although they want to be above the others, they bow to each other.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations XI, 14

We sing while our houses are on fire!

—  Ancient Greek phrase

I don’t care if they speak bad about me after I die.

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

After I die, let the world burn.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

While your houses are burning, you sing.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

A dry soul, without desires, is the wisest and best.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A wrongdoer is often a man who has left something undone, not always one who has done something.

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

Cheats and hypocrites are those who do everything with words and do nothing with actions.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The favorable conditions will not wait for our sluggishness and haughtiness .

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

That which is used, gets stronger. That which is not used wastes away.

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

Heaven never helps the man who will not act.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

All labor is better than inactivity.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.

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

Work is good, but idleness is bad.

—  Xenophon, 430-355 BC, Ancient Greek soldier & historian

One has to endure the idiocy of those who rule.

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

Men exist for the sake of one another. Guide them then or bear with them.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VIII, 59

It is magnanimous to bear offense calmly.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Now begins a river of words and a trickling of sense.

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

(on one of his opponents who was about to make a public speech)

The very rich are not good.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Horrible voice, bad breeding, vulgar manners, you have everything you need to be a politician.

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

You are as incapable of speaking as you are of keeping quiet.

—  Epicharmus of Kos, 530-440 BC, Ancient Greek poet

It is better to have one worthy friend than many worthless ones.

—  Anacharsis, 6th cent. BC, Scythian prince & philosopher

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

The mountain labors and gives birth to a mouse.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Thief knows thief and wolf knows wolf.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

It’s a shame to the gods that bad men prosper.

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

The bad guys dare it all.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

We should guard against bad men lest they seize the opportunity.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Man is naturally deceitful ever, in every way!

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

Only the cunning needs excuses.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Dishonest gain has short pleasures and long sorrows.

—  Diphilos, 4th/3rd cent. BC, Ancient Greek comedian

To think, to see, to understand, to show the arse, to trick, to suspect the worst, to question everything.

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

(what Euripides taught to Athenians, according to Aristophanes)

Women are very good in inventing ruses.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Iphigenia in Tauris,

Playing the fox to another fox.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

You will find many machinations since you are a woman.

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

Against the wicked, cunning is not a useless weapon.

—  Epicharmus of Kos, 530-440 BC, Ancient Greek poet

Woman is smarter than man in cunning.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is better to look simple-minded than to be shrewd.

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

You shouldn’t make fun of the old age that we all hope to reach.

—  Bion of Borysthenes, c. 325-255 BC, Ancient Greek Cynic philosopher

A demagogue must be neither an educated nor a honest man; he has to be ignorant and a rogue.

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

You may have the power to slander, but I have the power not to listen to you.

—  Aristippus, 435-355 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

(refusing to continue a debate)

The good man does not repeat the censure of the mean.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher