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 1 of 6


  Human Being
EuripidesΌντας δε θνητούς θνητά και φρονείν χρεών.

As mortals we should behave as mortals.

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

73 likes
ProtagorasΠάντων χρημάτων μέτρον έστιν άνθρωπος.

Man is the measure of all things.

—  Protagoras, 487-412 BC, Ancient Greek sophist

49 likes
PindarΣκιάς όναρ άνθρωπος.

Man is the dream of a shadow.

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

47 likes
SophoclesΠολλά τα δεινά κουδέν ανθρώπου δεινότερον πέλει.

There are many evils and there is no worse evil than man.

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

45 likes
PlatoΆνθρωπος: ο αναθρών ά όπωπε.

Man: one who thinks of what he sees.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

41 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
MenanderΩς χαρίεν εστ’ άνθρωπος αν άνθρωπος ή.

What a wonderful being is the man if he is a man.

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

33 likes
AristophanesΔολερόν μεν αεί κατά πάντα δη τρόπον πέφυκεν άνθρωπος.

Man is naturally deceitful ever, in every way!

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

28 likes
EpicurusΆπαξ άνθρωποι γεγόναμεν, δις δε ουκ έστι γενέσθαι.

We became men once and one cannot become twice.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

26 likes
DemocritusΤω ανθρώπω μικρώ κόσμω όντι.

Man is a microcosm.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

22 likes
  
  Mankind
Bias of PrieneΟι πλείστοι άνθρωποι κακοί.

Most people are bad.

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

40 likes
  
  World
DemocritusΟ κόσμος αλλοίωσις, ο βίος υπόληψις.

World is decay, life is perception.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

76 likes
EuripidesΕκ λόγου άλλος εκβαίνει λόγος.

One word brings another.

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

60 likes
Thales of MiletusΚάλλιστον κόσμος, ποίημα γαρ θεού.

The world is wonderful, because it is a creation of God.

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

51 likes
HeraclitusΚόσμον τονδε, τον αυτόν απάντων, ούτε τις θεών ούτε ανθρώπων εποίησεν, αλλ' ην αεί και έστιν και έστε πύρ αείζωον.

This world, which is the same for all, has not been made by any god or man, but it always has been, is, and will be an ever-living fire.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

44 likes
SocratesΕρωτηθείς εί σφαιροειδής εστιν ο κόσμος, έφη: «ουχ υπερέκυψα».

When asked if the shape of the world is a sphere, Socrates replied: “I didn’t bend so much.”

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

36 likes
Thales of MiletusΜέγιστον τόπος. Άπαντα γαρ χωρεί.

Place is the greatest thing, as it contains all things.

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

20 likes
DemocritusΑπείρους τε είναι κόσμους και γενητούς και φθαρτούς.

There are countless worlds both born and perishable.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

17 likes
  
  Good & Evil
SocratesΕν μόνον αγαθόν είναι, την επιστήμην, και εν μόνον κακόν, την αμαθίαν.

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

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

106 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΟυδέν κακόν αμιγές καλού.

Nothing bad is without something good.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

74 likes
SophoclesΠολλά τα δεινά κουδέν ανθρώπου δεινότερον πέλει.

There are many evils and there is no worse evil than man.

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

45 likes
EuripidesΟυκ αν γένοιτο χωρίς εσθλά και κακά, αλλ’ έστι τις σύγκρασις, ώστ’ έχειν καλώς.

There cannot be good without evil, but in their mixture things may turn out well.

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

34 likes
HeraclitusΑγαθόν και κακόν ταυτόν.

Good and evil are the same thing.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

32 likes
PlatoΗδονήν, μέγιστον κακού δέλεαρ.

Pleasure, a most mighty lure to evil.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

25 likes
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
EuripidesΚακώ γαρ εσθλόν ού συμμείγνυται.

The good can never mix with the evil.

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

14 likes
  
  Conscience
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
  
  Life
SocratesΤου βίου καθάπερ αγάλματος πάντα τα μέρη καλά είναι δει.

Like in a statue, all parts of a life must be beautiful.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

81 likes
SocratesO δε ανεξέταστος βίος ου βιωτός ανθρώπω.

Life without enquiry is not worth living for a man.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

61 likes
MenanderΖώμεν γαρ ού ως θέλομεν, αλλ’ ως δυνάμεθα.

We live, not as we wish to, but as we can.

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

48 likes
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”)

45 likes
EuripidesΒραχύς αιών.

Life is short.

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

36 likes
MenanderΩς ηδύ το ζην μη φθονούσης της τύχης.

How sweet is life when fortune is not envious.

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

29 likes
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
PlutarchΜέτρον βίου το καλόν ου το του χρόνου μήκος.

The measure of life is its beauty not its length.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

27 likes
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
AristotleΆπας ό βίος των ανθρώπων φύσει και νόμοις διοικείται.

The human life is governed by nature and laws.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

16 likes
  
  Death
MenanderΟν γαρ οι Θεοί φιλούσιν, αποθνήσκει νέος.

He whom the gods love dies young.

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

41 likes
AeschylusΘάνατος των ανηκέστων κακών ιατρός.

Death is the healer of incurable diseases.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

41 likes
EuripidesΠάσιν ημίν κατθανείν οφείλεται.

Death is a debt which every one of us must pay.

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

34 likes
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
EpicurusΟ θάνατος ουδέν προς ημάς· το γαρ διαλυθέν αναισθητεί· το δ' αναισθητούν ουδέν προς ημάς.

Death is nothing to us. Because something which is decomposed has no senses while something without senses is nothing to us.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

21 likes
PlatoΟ θάνατος τυγχάνει ων, ως εμοί δοκεί, ουδέν άλλο ή δυοίν πραγμάτοιν διάλυσις, της ψυχής και του σώματος απ’ αλλήλου.

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

21 likes
DemocritusΑνοήμονες ζωής ορέγονται θάνατον δεδοικότες.

Fools long for life because they fear death.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

18 likes
Chilon of SpartaΤον τεθνηκότα μη κακολογείν.

Do not speak evil of the dead.

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

18 likes
EpicurusΤο φρικωδέστατον ουν των κακών ο θάνατος ουθέν προς ημάς͵ επειδήπερ όταν μεν ημείς ώμεν͵ ο θάνατος ου πάρεστιν͵ όταν δε ο θάνατος παρῇ͵ τόθ΄ ημείς ουκ εσμέν.

Death, therefore, the most awful of evils, is nothing to us, seeing that, when we are, death is not come, and when death is come, we are not.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

17 likes
MenanderΘανάτου μόνον ουκ έστιν επανόρθωμα.

Only in death there is no remedy.

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

16 likes
AeschylusΕυκλεώς τοι κατθανείν χάρις βροτώ.

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

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

13 likes
AesopΕυημερών μέμνησο και του θανάτου.

In the good days remember also death.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

13 likes
HeraclitusΝέκυες κοπρίων εκβλητότεροι.

Corpses are more useless than dung.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

12 likes
EuripidesΚατθανών δε πας ανήρ γη και σκιά, το μηδέν εις ουδέν ρέπει.

In death all men are earth and shadow. Naught come to naught.

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

9 likes
HerodotusΟύτω ο μεν θάνατος μοχθηρής εούσης της ζόης καταφυγή αιρετωτάτη τω ανθρώπω γέγονε.

When life is so burdensome, death has become a sought after refuge.

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

9 likes
Thales of MiletusΟυδέν τον θάνατον διαφέρει του ζήν.

Death is no different at all from life.

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

7 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
AgathonΦαύλοι βροτών γαρ του πονείν ησσόμενοι θανείν ερώσιν.

The base among mankind in order to avoid effort fall in love with death.

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

6 likes
  
  Afterlife
HeraclitusΑι ψυχαί οσμώνται καθ΄ Άιδην.

The souls in the underworld smell.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

19 likes
AeschylusΩς τοις θανούσι πλούτος ουδέν ωφελεί.

For wealth is useless to the dead.

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

16 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
Marcus AureliusΈξω του κόσμου το αποθανόν ου πίπτει.

What dies does not fall out of the world.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor

9 likes
EuripidesΤο ζην γαρ ίσμεν, του θανείν δ’ απειρία πας τις φοβείται φως λιπείν τόδ’ ήλιου.

Life we know but as we don’t have experience of the death, everybody is afraid to leave the light of this sun.

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

7 likes
  
  Religion
SolonΤο θείον και οι νόμοι, ευ μεν αγόντων, εισίν ωφέλιμοι, κακώς δε αγόντων ουδέν ωφελούσιν.

Religion and laws, if they are exercised well, are beneficial; if exercised badly, they do not benefit at all.

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

18 likes
  
  God
PlatoΘεός ουδαμή ουδαμώς άδικος.

God is never, in no way unjust.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

18 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΑνενδεής ο Θεός.

God needs nothing.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

15 likes
AntisthenesΚατά νόμον είναι πολλούς Θεούς, κατά δε φύσιν ένα.

According to law, there are many gods; according to nature, only one.

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

15 likes
Thales of MiletusΠρεσβύτατον των όντων θεός, αγένητον γαρ.

God is the most ancient of all things, for he had no birth.

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

13 likes
EuripidesΕι θεοί τι δρώσιν αισχρόν, ουκ εισίν θεοί.

If gods do evil, they are not gods.

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

13 likes
PlatoΑεί ο θεός γεωμετρεί.

God always geometrizes.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

12 likes
HesiodΩς ουκ έστι Διός κλέψαι νόον ουδέ παρελθείν.

It is not possible to deceive or ignore the will of Zeus.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Theogony -613

10 likes
MenanderΘεών όνειδος τους κακούς ευδαιμονείν.

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

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

10 likes
HomerΘεοὶ δε τε πάντα ίσασιν.

Gods know all things.

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

9 likes
Thales of MiletusΤι το θείον; το μήτε αρχήν έχον μήτε τελευτήν.

What’s divine? That which has neither beginning nor end.

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

9 likes
EuripidesΔείται γαρ ο θεός, είπερ έστ’ ορθώς θεός, ουδενός.

A god, if he truly is a god, stands in need of nothing.

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

9 likes
HesiodΠάντα ιδών Διός οφθαλμός και πάντα νοήσας.

The eye of Zeus seeing all and understanding all.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -267

7 likes
SolonΤο Θείον φθονερόν και ταραχώδες.

The gods are envious and mess things.

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

6 likes
EpicurusΘεοί μεν γαρ εισίν. Εναργής γαρ αυτών εστιν η γνώσις.

For the gods exist, since the knowledge about them is obvious.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
Thales of MiletusΠάντα πλήρη θεών είναι.

All things are full of gods.

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

6 likes
EuripidesΌτι θεός ή μη θεός ή το μέσον τις φησ’ ερευνάσας βροτών;

What is god or what is not god or what is in between who among searching mortals can assert?

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

6 likes
EuripidesΩς ουδέν ανθρώποισιν των θείων σαφές.

Nothing is clear to men about the gods.

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

6 likes
AeschylusΖευς όστις ποτ’ εστίν.

Zeus whoever he may ever be.

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

4 likes
HomerΤαύτα θεών εν γούνασι κείται.

These things surely lie on the knees of the gods.

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

3 likes
HomerΠάντες δὲ θεών χατέουσ' άνθρωποι.

All men need the gods.

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

3 likes
  
  Right & Wrong
Marcus AureliusΕι μη καθήκει, μη πράξης· ει μη αληθές εστι, μη είπης.

If it’s not right, don’t do it; if it’s not true, don’t say it.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor

45 likes
DemocritusΜη δια φόβον, αλλά δια το δέον απέχεσθε αμαρτημάτων.

Refrain from evil not out of fear, but because it is right.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

27 likes
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 AureliusΑδικεί πολλάκις ο μη ποιών τι, ου μόνον ο ποιών τι.

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

14 likes
PlatoΕις ευ φρονών μυρίων μη φρονούντων κρείττων εστί.

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

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

13 likes
  
  Prayer
EpicurusΜάταιόν εστι παρά θεών αιτείσθαι ά τις εαυτώ χορηγήσαι ικανός εστι.

It is futile to pray to the gods for that which one has the power to obtain by himself.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

19 likes
  
  Meditation
DemocritusΘείου νου το αεί τι διαλογίζεσθαι καλόν.

It is the mark of a divine mind to be always contemplating something noble.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

11 likes
Marcus AureliusΈνδον σκάπτε, ένδον η πηγή του αγαθού και αεί αναβλύειν δυναμένη, εάν αεί σκάπτεις.

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

8 likes
  
  Atheism
AristophanesΠοίος Ζευς ; Ού μη ληρήσεις. Ουδ᾿ εστὶ Ζευς.

What Zeus? Do not trifle. There is no Zeus.

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

15 likes
  
  The Truth
DemocritusΕτεή δε ουδέν ίδμεν. Εν βυθώ γαρ η αλήθεια.

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

22 likes
AntiphanesΦίλος μεν Πλάτων, φιλτάτη δε αλήθεια.

Plato is my friend but the truth is my best friend.

—  Antiphanes, 405-335 BC, Ancient comic poet

15 likes
AeschylusΑπλά γαρ εστι της αληθείας έπη.

The words of the truth are simple.

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

13 likes
Marcus AureliusΖητώ γαρ την αλήθειαν υφ’ ής ουδείς πώποτε εβλάβη.

I seek the truth, by which no one ever was truly harmed.

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

7 likes
  
  Transience
HeraclitusΤα πάντα ρει και ουδέν μένει.

Everything flows, nothing stands still.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

26 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
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
Periander of CorinthΤας μεταβολάς της τύχης γενναίως επίστασο φέρειν.

Learn to bear bravely the changes of fortune.

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

14 likes
MenanderΚαιρών μεταβολήν πάντοτε χρη σε σκοπείν.

Always keep in mind that things change.

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

12 likes
EuripidesΘνητών όλβιος εις το τέλος ουδείς.

No mortal can be fortunate until his end.

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

11 likes
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
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
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
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 AureliusΒραχύβιον και ο επαινών και ο επαινούμενος και ο μνημονεύων και ο μνημονευόμενος.

Short-lived are both the praiser and the praised, and rememberer and the remembered.

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

5 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
HerodotusΦιλέει γαρ ο θεός τα υπερέχοντα πάντα κολούειν.

God likes to bring low all things of surpassing greatness.

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

3 likes
  
  Present
AristotleΤο νυν εστι μεσότης τις.

The now is a sort of a middle thing.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΕπί τοις παρούσι τον βίον διάπλεκε.

Arrange your life according to present conditions.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

4 likes
  
  Timing
Pittacus of MytileneΚαιρόν γνώθι.

Know the right time.

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

17 likes
MenanderΩς μέγα το μικρόν εστιν εν καιρώ δοθέν.

How big is the little thing that was given at the right time.

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

15 likes
DemocritusΗδοναί άκαιροι τίκτουσιν αηδίας.

Untimely pleasures produce aversion.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 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
PlutarchΈχει κίνδυνον η ακαιρία μέγαν.

Wrong timing is very dangerous.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

5 likes
Periander of CorinthΑποκρίνου εν καιρώ.

Respond on time.

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

4 likes
  
  Time
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”)

45 likes
Periander of CorinthΜη πίστευε χρόνω.

Don’t trust time.

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

14 likes
MenanderΠάντων των αναγκαίων κακών ιατρός χρόνος εστίν.

Time is the healer of all inevitable ills.

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

13 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
EuripidesΟ χρόνος άπαντα τοίσιν ύστερον φράσει. Λάλος γαρ ούτος ουκ ερωτώσιν λέγει.

Time will explain it all. He is a talker, and needs no questioning before he speaks.

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

11 likes
Thales of MiletusΣοφώτατον χρόνος· ανευρίσκει γαρ πάντα.

Time is the wisest of all things that are; for it brings everything to light.

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

9 likes
MenanderΆγει δε προς φως την αλήθειαν χρόνος.

Time leads truth toward the light.

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

8 likes
SophoclesΠάντα εκκαλύπτων ο χρόνος εις το φως άγει.

Time sees and hears all things, and discloses all.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

8 likes
HeraclitusΧρόνος παις εστι παίζων πεττεύων. Παιδός η βασιλεία.

Time is a child playing checkers; the kingdom belongs to a child.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
Chilon of SpartaΧρόνου φείδου.

Use time sparingly.

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

6 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
AgathonΣοφόν λέγουσι τον χρόνον πεφυκέναι.

They say that time is by nature wise.

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

6 likes
PindarΧρόνος ο πάντων πρόγονος.

Time is the ancestor of everything.

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

5 likes
AeschylusΧρόνος καθαίρει πάντα γηράσκων ομού.

Times purifies all things that age with time.

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

5 likes
Antiphon of RhamnusΝόημα ή μέτρον τον χρόνον, ουχ υπόστασιν.

Time is a measure or an idea, it does not exist.

—  Antiphon of Rhamnus, 470-410 BC, Ancient Athenian statesman

5 likes
  
  Duration
PlutarchΜέτρον βίου το καλόν ου το του χρόνου μήκος.

The measure of life is its beauty not its length.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

27 likes
Thales of MiletusΤον βίον μη, τω χρόνω βραχύν όντα, πράγμασιν κακοίς μακρόν ποιείν.

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

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

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
  
  Past
EuripidesΠαλαιά καινοίς δακρύοις ου χρη στένειν.

Waste no fresh tears over old griefs.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

(Alexandros)

30 likes
EuripidesΑλλ’ ηδύ τι σωθέντα μεμνήσθαι πόνων.

Sweet is the memory of the sorrows past.

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

21 likes
AgathonΜόνου γαρ αυτού και θεός στερίσκεται, αγένητα ποιείν άσσ᾽ αν ᾖ πεπραγμένα.

Of this alone, even god is deprived, the power of making things that are past never to have been.

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

4 likes
  
  Origin
AeschylusΣμικρού γένοιτ’ αν σπέρματος μέγας πυθμήν.

A huge tree can tower from a tiny seed.

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

16 likes
Marcus AureliusΤούτων αεί μεμνήσθαι, τις η των όλων φύσις.

This you must always bear in mind, what is the nature of the whole.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations ΙΙ, 9

4 likes
  
  Future
HomerΈσσετ’ ήμαρ…

The day will come…

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

21 likes
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
Periander of Corinth Όρα το μέλλον.

Keep sight of the future.

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

13 likes
IsokratesΔει καρτερείν επί τοις παρούσι και θαρρείν περί των μελλόντων.

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

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

11 likes
IsokratesΕυ σοι το μέλλον έξει, αν το παρόν ευ τιθής.

Your future will be good, if you arrange well the present.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

10 likes
EpictetusΕι βούλει άλυπον βίον ζην, τα μέλλοντα συμβαίνειν ως ήδη συμβεβηκότα λογίζου.

If you want to live a life without stress, consider whatever is going to happen in the future as if it has already happened

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

10 likes
  
  Age
Ancient Greek phraseΑετού γήρας κορύδου νεότης.

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

—  Ancient Greek phrase

10 likes
DemocritusΙσχύς και ευμορφίη νεότητος αγαθά, γήρατος δε σωφροσύνη άνθος.

The good things in youth are strength and beauty, whilst good sense is the flower of old age.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
HesiodΈργα νέων, βουλαί δε μέσων ευχαί δε γερόντων.

Actions of the young, decisions of the middle-aged, wishes of the old.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet

8 likes
HesiodΜήτε τριηκόντων ετέων μάλα πολλ᾽ απολείπων μητ᾽ επιθείς μάλα πολλά· γάμος δε τοι ώριος ούτος.

Neither being far short of thirty years nor much above; this is the right time for marriage.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -695

4 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
  
  Old Age
DemocritusΟ γέρων νέος εγένετο, ο δε νέος άδηλον ει εις γήρας αφίξεται.

The old man has been young, whilst it is unknown if the young man will reach old age.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

15 likes
MenanderΤίμα το γήρας, ου γαρ έρχεται μόνον.

Respect old age, for it does not come alone.

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

14 likes
SolonΓηράσκω δ’ αεί πολλά διδασκόμενος.

As I grow older, I constantly learn more.

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

11 likes
DemocritusΓήρας και πενία δύο τραύματα δυσθεράπευτα.

Old age and poverty, two wounds hard to heal.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
EuripidesΠικρόν νέα γυναικί πρεσβύτης ανήρ.

It’s bitter for a young woman an old husband.

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

7 likes
Bias of PrieneΤο γήρας όρμον είναι των κακών.

Old age is a harbor for bad things.

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

5 likes
AristophanesΩς δις παίδες οι γέροντες!

Old men are children twice.

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

3 likes
  
  Prophecy
Chilon of SpartaΜαντικήν μη εχθαίρει.

Do not reject divination.

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

5 likes
  
  Procrastination
DemocritusΤο αεί μέλλειν ατελέας ποιέει τας πρήξιας.

Constant procrastination leaves the actions undone.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
HesiodΜηδ᾽ αναβάλλεσθαι ες τ᾽ αύριον ες τε ένηφιν.

Do not put your work off till tomorrow and the day after.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -410

7 likes
  
  Haste & Delay
Chilon of SpartaΕπί δείπνα των φίλων βραδέως πορεύου, επί δε τας ατυχίας ταχέως.

Don’t rush when attending friends’ dinners, but hasten to their misfortunes.

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

11 likes
DemosthenesΟι δε των πραγμάτων ού μένουσι καιροί την ημετέραν βραδύτητα και ειρωνείαν.

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

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

8 likes
AeschylusΑγών ου μένει άνδρας λελειμμένους.

The fight does not wait for those who delay.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian ‐ Glaucus of Pontus

7 likes
AristotleΗ φύσις ουδέν ποιεί άλματα.

Nature does not make leaps.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
HerodotusEπειχθήναι μεν νυν παν πρήγμα τίκτει σφάλματα.

Haste in every business brings failures.

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

5 likes
  
  Speed
Thales of MiletusΤάχιστον νους, δια παντός γαρ τρέχει.

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

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

16 likes
EuripidesΤο του ποδός μεν βραδύ, το του δε νου ταχύ.

His foot is slow but quick his mind.

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

6 likes
  
  Ending
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
EuripidesΘνητών όλβιος εις το τέλος ουδείς.

No mortal can be fortunate until his end.

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

11 likes
XenophanesΕκ γαίης γαρ πάντα και εις γην πάντα τελευτά.

Everything comes from earth and everything ends in earth.

—  Xenophanes, 570-480 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 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
  
  Misunderstanding
Ancient Greek phraseΕγώ σκόροδα σοι λὲγω, συ δε κρόμμυα αποκρίνει.

I talk to you about garlics and you respond about onions.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

—  Αρχαία παροιμιακή φράση

9 likes
  
  Learning
SocratesΚρείττον οψιμαθή είναι ή αμαθή.

Better be a late learner than an ignorant.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

(explaining why he was learning to play a musical instrument just before his execution)

24 likes
AntisthenesΜαθημάτων αναγκαιότατον τα κακά απομαθείν.

The most necessary lesson is to unlearn all the wrong things.

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

16 likes
Alexander the GreatΣτους γονείς οφείλομεν το ζην, στους δε διδασκάλους το ευ ζην.

We are indebted to our parents for living, but to our teachers for living well.

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

16 likes
DemocritusΝηπίοισιν ου λόγος, αλλά ξυμφορή γίνεται διδάσκαλος.

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

12 likes
SolonΓηράσκω δ’ αεί πολλά διδασκόμενος.

As I grow older, I constantly learn more.

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

11 likes
DemocritusΠλείονες εξ ασκήσεως αγαθοί γίνονται ή από φύσεως.

More men become good through practice than by nature.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
AeschylusΠάθει μάθος.

Learning by suffering.

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

10 likes
Periander of CorinthΜελέτη το παν.

Practice is everything.

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

10 likes
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
PlatoΌμηρος την Ελλάδα επεπαιδεύκει.

Homer has educated Greece.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
HesiodΠαρθενικήν δε γαμείν, ως κ’ ήθεα κεδνά διδάξης.

Marry a virgin, so that you can teach her the right manners.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -699

7 likes
IsokratesΤης παιδείας την μεν ρίζαν είναι πικράν τον δε καρπόν γλυκύν.

The root of education is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

7 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΤο αποδημείν εί αρίστη παιδεία.

Traveling is the best education.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

7 likes
IsokratesΕάν ης φιλομαθής, έσει και πολυμαθής.

If you are fond of learning, you will soon be full of learning.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

6 likes
DemocritusΗ παιδεία ευτυχούσι μεν εστι κόσμος, ατυχούσι δε καταφύγιον.

Education is an ornament for the fortunate and a refuge for the unfortunate.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
AristotleΤριών δει παιδεία: φύσεως, μαθήσεως, ασκήσεως.

Education needs these three: natural endowment, study, practice.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
AristophanesΝοείν, οράν, ξυνιέναι, στρέφειν έδραν, τεχνάζειν, κάχ’ υποτοπείσθαι, περινοείν άπαντα.

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)

5 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
IsokratesΠαιδεία ευτυχούσι μεν εστί κόσμος, ατυχούσι δε καταφύγιον.

For those who prosper education is an ornament, for the unfortunate is a refuge.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

5 likes
  
  Sleep
Homer…Ύπνω και Θανάτω διδυμάοσιν.

...of Sleep and Death, who are twin brothers.

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

13 likes
EuripidesΩ φίλον ύπνου θέλγητρον, επίκουρον νόσου.

O dearest charm of sleep, ally against sickness.

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

9 likes
HomerΎπνε άναξ πάντων τε θεών πάντων τ' ανθρώπων.

Sleep, universal king of gods and men.

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

6 likes
DemocritusΗμερήσιοι ύπνοι σώματος όχλησιν ή ψυχής αδημοσύνην ή αργίην ή απαιδευσίην σημαίνουσι.

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
HippocratesΎπνος, αγρυπνίη, αμφότερα μάλλον του μετρίου γινόμενα, νούσος.

Both sleep and sleeplessness, when immoderate, are bad.

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

3 likes
  
  Void
DemocritusΑρχάς είναι των όλων ατόμους και κενόν, τα δ’ άλλα πάντα νενομίσθαι.

The beginning of everything is atoms and void, and everything else is perception.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
  
  Distance
EuripidesΟύ ταυτόν είδος φαίνεται των πραγμάτων πρόσωθεν όντων εγγύθεν θ’ ορωμένων.

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

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

11 likes
EuripidesΜη νυν τα πόρρω ταγγύθεν μεθείς σκόπει.

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

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

7 likes
  
  Proximity
AesopΟ εγγύς Διός, εγγύς κεραυνού.

He who is close to Zeus is close to thunder.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

9 likes
  
  Mirror
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
  
  Road
HeraclitusΟδός άνω και κάτω μία.

The road up and the road down is the same.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
  
  Travel
DemocritusΑνδρί σοφώ πάσα γη βατή, ψυχής γαρ αγαθής πατρίς ο ξύμπας κόσμος.

For the wise is easy to go anywhere. Because the whole world is home for a good soul.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
HomerΠολλών δ’ ανθρώπων ίδεν άστεα και νόον έγνων.

Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds.

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

9 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΤο αποδημείν εί αρίστη παιδεία.

Traveling is the best education.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

7 likes
  
  Absence
AeschylusΛέκτρα δ’ ανδρών πόθω πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν.

The beds are filled with tears longing for the men.

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

8 likes
DemosthenesΦύσει δ’ υπάρχει τοις παρούσι τα των απόντων, και τοις εθέλουσι πονείν και κινδυνεύειν τα των αμελούντων.

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

8 likes
  
  House
EuripidesΈνδον μένουσαν την γυναίκα είναι χρεών εσθλήν, θύρασι δ’ αξίαν του μηδενός.

A woman should be good for everything at home, but, out of the door, good for nothing.

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

8 likes
  
  Beginning
PlatoΑρχή ήμισυ παντός.

The beginning is half of everything.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

24 likes
HesiodΉ τοι μεν πρώτιστα Χάος γένετο.

In the beginning there was chaos.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Theogony -116

17 likes
AeschylusΣμικρού γένοιτ’ αν σπέρματος μέγας πυθμήν.

A huge tree can tower from a tiny seed.

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

16 likes
EuripidesΚακής απ’ αρχής γίγνεται τέλος κακόν.

A bad beginning makes a bad ending.

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

11 likes
  
  Order
DemocritusΟίσιν ο τρόπος εστίν εύτακτος, τούτοισι και ο βίος συντέτακται.

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

11 likes
  
  Difference
Marcus AureliusΆριστος τρόπος του αμυνεσθαι το μη εξομοιούσθαι.

The best defense is not to be like your enemy.

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations VI, 6

11 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
DemocritusΑνθρώποις πάσι ταυτό αγαθόν και αληθές. Ηδύ δε άλλω άλλο.

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

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
  
  Similarity
HomerΩς αεί τον όμοιον άγει θεός ως τον όμοιον.

As ever, god brings like and like together!

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

5 likes
  
  Injustice
PlatoΘεός ουδαμή ουδαμώς άδικος.

God is never, in no way unjust.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

18 likes
DemocritusΟ αδικών του αδικουμένου κακοδαιμονέστερος.

He who commits an act of injustice is in worse condition than he who suffers it.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
AristotleΕν τη προαιρέσει η μοχθηρία και το αδικείν.

Wickedness and injustice are intentional.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
DemocritusΚαλόν μεν τον αδικέοντα κωλύειν. Ει δε μη, μη ξυναδικέειν.

It is good to prevent the man who does wrong. But if you cannot, do not join in wrongdoing.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
EuripidesΧρη μηκέθ’ ηγείσθαι θεούς, ει τάδικ’ έσται της δίκης υπέρτερα.

We must no longer believe in the gods if injustice prevails over justice.

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

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
  
  Opposites
EuripidesΟυκ αν γένοιτο χωρίς εσθλά και κακά, αλλ’ έστι τις σύγκρασις, ώστ’ έχειν καλώς.

There cannot be good without evil, but in their mixture things may turn out well.

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

34 likes
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
HippocratesΤα ενάντια τοις εναντίοις εισίν ιάματα.

The opposites are the cures of the opposites.

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

7 likes
  
  Adaptation
MenanderΖώμεν γαρ ού ως θέλομεν, αλλ’ ως δυνάμεθα.

We live, not as we wish to, but as we can.

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

48 likes
DemocritusΑνδρί σοφώ πάσα γη βατή, ψυχής γαρ αγαθής πατρίς ο ξύμπας κόσμος.

For the wise is easy to go anywhere. Because the whole world is home for a good soul.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

10 likes
  
  Usefulness
AeschylusΧρήσιμ’ ειδώς ουχ ο πολλά ειδώς σοφός.

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

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

15 likes
  
  Futility
PindarΣκιάς όναρ άνθρωπος.

Man is the dream of a shadow.

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

47 likes
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
Marcus AureliusΕγγύς μεν η ση περί πάντων λήθη, εγγύς δε η πάντων περί σού λήθη.

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

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

22 likes
EpictetusΨυχάριον εί, βαστάζον νεκρόν.

You are a little soul, carrying a corpse.

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

19 likes
EuripidesΚατθανών δε πας ανήρ γη και σκιά, το μηδέν εις ουδέν ρέπει.

In death all men are earth and shadow. Naught come to naught.

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

9 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΠρος λέοντα δορκάς άπτεται μάχης.

A deer picks up a fight with the lion.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

8 likes
EuripidesΆπαντα τίκτει χθών πάλιν τε και λαμβάνειν.

Earth breeds all and takes back all.

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

7 likes
HerodotusΜάθε ότι αι συμφοραί των ανθρώπων άρχουσι και ουχί άνθρωποι των συμφορέων.

Circumstances rule men; men do not rule circumstances.

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

7 likes
  
  Inevitable
Ancient Greek proverbΤο πεπρωμένον φυγείν αδύνατον.

One cannot evade destiny.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

24 likes
HesiodΩς ουκ έστι Διός κλέψαι νόον ουδέ παρελθείν.

It is not possible to deceive or ignore the will of Zeus.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Theogony -613

10 likes
  
  Chaos
HesiodΉ τοι μεν πρώτιστα Χάος γένετο.

In the beginning there was chaos.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Theogony -116

17 likes
EuripidesΑναρχία κρείσσων πυρός.

Anarchy is stronger than fire.

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

9 likes
  
  Relativity
Thales of MiletusΠώς αν τις ατυχίαν ράστα φέροι;
Eι τους εχθροὺς χείρον πράσσοντας βλέποι.

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

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

5 likes
  
  Excess
PlatoΗ άγαν ελευθερία έοικε εις άγαν δουλείαν μεταβάλλειν.

It seems that excessive freedom leads to excessive enslavement.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher ‐ Republic

18 likes
HeraclitusΠολυμαθίη νόον ου διδάσκει.

Much learning does not teach the mind.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

11 likes
DemocritusΜείζονες γαρ ορέξεις μείζονας ενδείας ποιεύουσιν.

Excessive desires create excessive poverties.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
DemocritusΕι τις υπερβάλλοι το μέτριον, τα επιτερπέστατα ατερπέστατα αν γίγνοιτο.

When one exceeds the due measure, the most pleasurable things become the most unpleasant.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
HippocratesΠαν το πολύ τη φύσει πολέμιον.

Everything in excess is opposed to nature.

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

6 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΤο γαρ ηδύ, εάν πολύ, ου τι γε ηδύ.

If the sweet is too much, it is no sweet any more.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

5 likes
EuripidesΈρωτες υπέρ μεν άγαν ελθόντες ουκ ευδοξίαν ουδ’ αρετάν παρέδωκαν ανδράσιν.

Excess of passion brings no glory or honor to men.

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

4 likes
  

page 1 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