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Ancient Greek Quotes

ancient Greeks

Classic Ancient Greek quotes, proverbs, maxims and phrases.

page 4 of 6


  Government
IsokratesΤο της πόλεως όλης ήθος, ομοιούται τοις άρχουσιν.

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

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

7 likes
DemocritusΧαλεπόν άρχεσθαι υπό χερείονος.

It is hard to be ruled by an inferior.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
DemocritusΠόλις ευ αγομένη μεγίστη όρθωσις εστι.

A well governed state is the best environment for growth.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

2 likes
AeschylusΆπας δε τραχύς όστις αν νέον κρατή.

Every ruler new to power is harsh.

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

2 likes
HerodotusΔύναμις υπέρ άνθρωπον η βασιλέος εστί και χείρ υπερμήκης.

The king’s might is greater than human, and his arm is very long.

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

2 likes
  
  Society
Marcus AureliusΠεποίηκά τι κοινωνικώς; ουκούν ωφέλημαι.

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

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

4 likes
  
  Justice
MenanderΈστι δίκης οφθαλμός, ος τα πάνθ’ ορά.

There is an eye of justice that sees everything.

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

7 likes
DemocritusΜούνοι θεοφιλέες, όσοις εχθρόν το αδικέειν.

Gods love the enemies of injustice.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
EuripidesΑλλ’ η Δίκη γαρ και κατά σκότον βλέπει.

But Justice sees even in the dark.

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

7 likes
SocratesΕμέ δε Άνυτος και Μέλητος αποκτείναι μεν δύνανται, βλάψαι δε ού.

Meletus and Anytus can kill me, but they cannot hurt me.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

(Meletus and Anytus were the prosecutors in the trial of Socrates)

4 likes
MenanderΑνεξέταστον μη κόλαζε μηδένα.

Don't punish anyone without investigating.

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

4 likes
Ancient Greek proverbΜηδενί δίκην δικάσης, πριν αμφοίν μύθον ακούσης.

Don’t judge anybody before you hear both stories.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

4 likes
DemosthenesΔει εν μεν τοις όπλοις φοβερούς, εν δε τοις δικαστηρίοις φιλανθρώπους είναι.

Be in battle daunting, in courts humane.

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

3 likes
  
  Laws
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
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
SolonΤους δε νόμους τοις αραχνίοις ομοίους· και γαρ εκείνα, εάν μεν εμπέση τι κούφον και ασθενές, στέγειν· εάν δε μείζον, διακόψαν οίχεσθαι.

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

11 likes
AristotleΟυδέν διαφέρει ή μη κείσθαι ή μη χρήσθαι τους νόμους.

There is no difference between not having laws and not following the laws.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
Ancient Greek phraseΞένος ών ακολούθει τοις επιχωρίοις νόμοις.

If you are s stranger, follow the local laws.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

5 likes
AntiphanesΟ μηδέν αδικών ουδενός δείται νόμου.

He who is never unjust has no need of laws.

—  Antiphanes, 405-335 BC, Ancient comic poet

5 likes
IsokratesΟυ γαρ τοις ψηφίσµασιν αλλά τοις ήθεσιν καλώς οικείσθαι τας πόλεις.

The good condition of the state depends on ethics and not on the laws we vote.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

5 likes
Chilon of SpartaΤην μάλιστα νόμων, ήκιστα δε ρητόρων ακούουσαν πολιτείαν αρίστην είναι.

The best state is one where the laws and not the politicians are obeyed.

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

4 likes
Periander of CorinthΤοις μεν νόμοις, παλαιοίς χρώ, τοις δ' όψοις, προσφάτοις.

Use old laws and fresh food.

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

4 likes
DemosthenesΠας εστι νόμος εύρημα μεν και δώρον θεών.

Every law is a gift and an invention of by the gods.

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

4 likes
  
  Equality
SolonΙσότης στάσιν ου ποιεί.

Equality does not cause revolt.

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

6 likes
EuripidesΚοινός γαρ εστιν ουρανός πάσιν βροτοίς.

Heaven is common for all mortals.

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

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

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

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

2 likes
  
  Victims
AeschylusΒούλευμα μεν το Δίον, Ηφαίστου δε χειρ.

The will of Zeus, the hand of Hephæstus.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

((for the torture of Prometheus))

2 likes
  
  Power
Bias of PrieneΔει τον αγαθόν άνδρα παυόμενον της αρχής μη πλουσιώτερον, αλλά μάλλον ενδοξότερον γεγονέναι.

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

16 likes
Bias of PrieneΑρχή άνδρα δείκνυσι.

Power shows the man.

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

9 likes
AesopΟ εγγύς Διός, εγγύς κεραυνού.

He who is close to Zeus is close to thunder.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

9 likes
EuripidesΡώμη αμαθής πολλάκις τίκτει βλάβην.

Foolish strength is very often damaging.

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

5 likes
Chilon of SpartaΙσχυρόν όντα πράον είναι, όπως οι πλησίον αιδώνται μάλλον ή φοβώνται.

When you are in a position of power, be well-mannered, if you would have the respect, not the fear, of those around you.

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

4 likes
SolonΑνδρών δ᾿ εκ μεγάλων πόλις όλλυται.

The state is destroyed by its great men.

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

3 likes
  
  Kings
AesopΟμιλείν δυνάστῃ... ως ήκιστα ή ως ήδιστα.

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

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

6 likes
PlatoΕάν μη οι βασιλείς φιλοσοφήσουν, ουκ έστιν των δεινών παύλα.

Until the kings become philosophers, there will be no end to the troubles of the states.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
  
  Politics
AntisthenesΤότε τας πόλεις απόλλυσθαι, όταν μη δύνωνται τους φαύλους από των σπουδαίων διακρίνειν.

Cities are doomed when they are unable to distinguish the great men from the bad.

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

15 likes
AristotleΟ άνθρωπος φύσει πολιτικόν ζώον.

Man is by nature a city animal.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

(or political animal)

8 likes
AristophanesΥπό λίθω γαρ παντί νου χρη μη δάκη ρήτωρ αθρείν.

We must look beneath every stone, lest it conceal some politician ready to sting us.

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

5 likes
AeschylusΤο μητ’ άναρχον μήτε δεσποτούμενον... σέβειν.

Respect neither anarchy nor tyranny.

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

2 likes
  
  Democracy
Bias of PrieneΚρατίστην είναι δημοκρατίαν εν ή πάντες ως τύραννον φοβούνται τον νόμον.

The best democracy is where everybody is afraid of the law like a tyrant.

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

4 likes
Aristophanes Ω δημοκρατία, ποι προβιβάς ημάς ποτε;

O democracy, where are you leading us?

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

3 likes
Periander of CorinthΔημοκρατία κρείττον τυραννίδος.

Democracy is better than tyranny.

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

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

The electorate is the most unstable and unpredictable thing.

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

2 likes
  
  Freedom
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
EpictetusΟυδείς ελεύθερος εαυτού μη κρατών.

No one is free if he cannot subdue himself.

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

9 likes
EpicurusΕκλυτέον εαυτούς εκ του περί τα εγκύκλια και τα πολιτικά δεσμωτηρίου.

We must free ourselves from the daily routine and the bonds of politics.

—  Epicurus, 341-270 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
AeschylusΕλεύθερος γαρ ου τις εστί πλην Διός.

No one is free but Zeus.

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

4 likes
  
  Prison
AesopΤο ουκ οίδα εις φυλακήν ου βάλλει.

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

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

7 likes
  
  Fascism
Ancient Greek phraseΜακραί τυράννων χείρες.

The hands of the tyrants reach long.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

4 likes
  
  Patriotism
AeschylusΏ παίδες Ελλήνων, ίτε ελευθερούτε πατρίδ’ ελευθερούτε δε παίδας, γυναίκας, θεών τε πατρώων έδη, θήκας τε προγόνων νυν υπέρ πάντων αγών

Forward, you sons of Hellas! Set your country free! Set free your sons, your wives, the tombs of your ancestors, and temples of your gods . All is at stake now, fight!

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

7 likes
HomerΕίς οιωνός άριστος, αμύνεσθαι περί πάτρης.

This is the best omen, to fight for your country.

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

(words of Hector)

5 likes
  
  Populism
MenanderΌμοια πόρνη δάκρυα και ρήτωρ έχει.

A prostitute and a politician pour similar tears.

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

15 likes
AristotleΤου πιθανωτέρους είναι τους απαιδεύτους των πεπαιδευμένων εν τοις όχλοις.

Before a crowd, the ignorant are more persuasive than the educated.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

13 likes
AristophanesΦωνή μιαρά, γέγονας κακώς, αγοραίος εί, έχεις άπαντα προς πολιτείαν ά δει.

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

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

7 likes
AristophanesΗ δημαγωγία γαρ ού προς μουσικού ετ’ εστίν ανδρός ουδέ χρηστού τους τρόπους, αλλ’ εις αμαθή και βδελυρόν.

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

6 likes
EuripidesΟι γαρ εν σοφοίς φαύλοι παρ’ όχλω μουσικώτεροι λέγειν.

Those who the wise consider fools are often better tuned to speak before a crowd.

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

5 likes
EuripidesΌταν γαρ ηδύς τις λόγοις φρονών κακώς πείθη το πλήθος, τη πόλει κακόν μέγα.

When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.

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

5 likes
EuripidesΔεινόν οι πολλοί, κακούργους όταν έχωσι προστάτας.

The many are dangerous, when they have wicked leaders.

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

3 likes
MenanderΙσχυρόν όχλος εστίν, ουκ έχει δε νουν.

The mob is powerful and has no sense.

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

3 likes
AristophanesΤον δήμον αεί προσποιού υπογλυκαίνων ρηματίοις μαγειρικοίς.

Always keep the populace on your side sweetening it with cooked words.

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

2 likes
HesiodΠολλάκι και ξύμπασα πόλις κακού ανδρός απηύρα.

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

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

2 likes
  
  Army
AristophanesΣτρατηγοί πλείονες ή βελτίονες.

The Generals are numerous, but not good for much!

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

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

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

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

3 likes
HerodotusΈνθα γαρ σοφίης δέει, βίης έργον ουδέν.

Force has no place where there is need of cleverness.

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

2 likes
  
  Cities
AristotleΟ άνθρωπος φύσει πολιτικόν ζώον.

Man is by nature a city animal.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

(or political animal)

8 likes
  
  Crowds
AesopΕίς ουδείς, δύο πολλοί, τρεις όχλος, τέσσαρες πανήγυρις.

One is no one, two is a company, three is a crowd, four is a fair.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

4 likes
EuripidesΣυν όχλω αμαθία πλείστον κακόν.

Crowds with foolishness is a great evil.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

4 likes
  
  War & Peace
ThucydidesΟ δε πόλεμος... βίαιος διδάσκαλος.

War is a violent teacher.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

8 likes
HerodotusΟυδείς γαρ ούτω ανόητος εστί όστις πόλεμον προ ειρήνης αιρέεται· εν μεν γαρ τη οι παίδες τους πατέρας θάπτουσι, εν δε τω οι πατέρες τους παίδας.

Nobody is so stupid to choose war instead of peace. Because in peace the children bury their fathers but in war the fathers bury their children.

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

6 likes
PindarΓλυκύ δ᾽απείρῳ πόλεμος.

War is sweet to those who have no experience of it.

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

5 likes
HeraclitusΠόλεμος πάντων μεν πατήρ εστί, πάντων δε βασιλεύς. Και τους μεν θεούς έδειξε, τους δε ανθρώπους, τους μεν δούλους εποίησε, τους δε ελευθέρους.

War is the father and king of all: some he has made gods, and some men; some slaves and some free.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

4 likes
PindarΝεύρα πολέμου χρυσός.

Gold is the nerves of the war.

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

4 likes
DemosthenesΠόλεμος ένδοξος, ειρήνης αισχράς αιρετώτερος.

A plausible war is preferable to a dishonorable peace.

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

3 likes
DemosthenesΔει εν μεν τοις όπλοις φοβερούς, εν δε τοις δικαστηρίοις φιλανθρώπους είναι.

Be in battle daunting, in courts humane.

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

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

All wars are made for the acquisition of assets.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
HesiodΕιρήνη ανά γην κουροτρόφος.

Peace is raising sons in this world.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -228

3 likes
  
  Arms & Weapons
Μολών λαβέ.

Come and get them [the arms].

—  Leonidas, King of Sparta

(at Thermopylae, 480 BC)

16 likes
  
  Countries & Nations
EuripidesΣη πατρίς εν γαρ τοις πόνοισιν αύξεται.

Your country becomes great when in trouble.

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

3 likes
  
  Greeks
PlatoΌμηρος την Ελλάδα επεπαιδεύκει.

Homer has educated Greece.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
VirgilΦοβού τους Δαναούς και δώρα φέροντας.

Be afraid of the Greeks bearing gifts.

—  Virgil, 70-19 BC, Roman poet

5 likes
HerodotusΈλληνες αεί παίδές εστε, γέρων δε Έλλην ουκ έστιν.

You Greeks are always children, and there is no Greek who is old.

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

(Egyptian priests to Solon)

4 likes
  
  Communication
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
Periander of CorinthΠάσιν αποκρίνου.

Respond to everyone.

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

4 likes
AristophanesΑμαθέστερον πως ειπέ και σαφέστερον.

Say something a little less educated and more apprehensible.

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

3 likes
  
  Information
HomerΘεοὶ δε τε πάντα ίσασιν.

Gods know all things.

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

9 likes
Pittacus of MytileneΓνους πράττε.

Act knowing.

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

4 likes
DemocritusΜη πάντα επίστασθαι προθύμεο, μη πάντων αμαθής γένη.

Don’t be eager to know everything lest you become ignorant of everything.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
SophoclesΣτέργει γαρ ουδείς άγγελον κακών επών.

Nobody likes the man who brings bad news.

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

3 likes
  
  False Appearances
Marcus AureliusΌτι πάν υπόληψις.

Remember that all is opinion.

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

12 likes
  
  Revelations
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

10 likes
MenanderΆγει δε προς φως την αλήθειαν χρόνος.

Time leads truth toward the light.

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

9 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

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

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

—  Ancient Greek proverb

4 likes
  
  Truth & Lies
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
MenanderΗ γλώσσα λανθάνουσα τ’ αληθή λέγει.

A slip of the tongue speaks the truth.

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

7 likes
EuripidesΑπλούς ο μύθος της αληθείας έφυ.

The words of truth are simple by nature.

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

6 likes
EuripidesΚλεπτών γαρ η νυξ, της δ’ αληθείας το φως.

Night is for the thieves, light is for the truth.

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

5 likes
MenanderΑεί κράτιστον εστί τα αληθή λέγειν εν παντί καιρώ.

It is always better to tell the truth at every opportunity

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

5 likes
HerodotusΕγώ δε οφείλω λέγειν τα λεγόμενα, πείθεσθαί γε μεν ου παντάπασι οφείλω.

I am bound to tell what I am told, but not in every case to believe it.

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

4 likes
SophoclesΘάρσει. Λέγων τ' αληθές ου σφαλεί ποτε.

Have courage. When you tell the truth, you will never go wrong.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

4 likes
SophoclesΑλλ’ ουδέν έρπει ψεύδος εις γήρας χρόνου.

A lie never lives to be old.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

4 likes
SophoclesΟυκ εξάγουσιν καρπόν οι ψευδείς λόγοι.

False words do not bear fruit.

—  Sophocles, 496-406 BC, Ancient tragic poet

3 likes
  
  Obvious
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
  
  Eloquence
EuripidesΣοφόν το σαφές.

Wisdom lies in clarity.

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

13 likes
EuripidesΟι γαρ εν σοφοίς φαύλοι παρ’ όχλω μουσικώτεροι λέγειν.

Those who the wise consider fools are often better tuned to speak before a crowd.

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

5 likes
EuripidesΤο σοφόν δ’ ού σοφία.

Smart talk is not wisdom.

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

4 likes
HomerΤου και από γλώσσης μέλιτος γλυκίων ρέεν αυδή.

From whose lips the streams of words ran sweeter than honey.

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

(about Nestor)

2 likes
  
  Words
AntisthenesΑρχή Σοφίας ονομάτων επίσκεψις.

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

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

18 likes
AristophanesΥπὸ γαρ λόγων ο νους τε μετεωρίζεται επαίρεταί τ᾽ άνθρωπος.

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

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

10 likes
AeschylusΈργω κ’ ουκέτι μύθω.

By deeds, not words.

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

6 likes
AristophanesΠάντες τοις λόγοις αναπτερούνται.

By words everybody is winged.

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

4 likes
HomerΈπεα πτερόεντα.

Winged words.

—  Homer, c. 800-750 BC, Ancient Greek Poet ‐ Iliad E’ 871

3 likes
PindarΡήμα δ᾽ εργμάτων χρονιώτερον βιοτεύει.

For words live longer down the years than deeds.

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

3 likes
AeschylusΟργής ματαίας εισί αίτιοι λόγοι.

Words are the doctors of a temper diseased.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

3 likes
MenanderΡήμα παράκαιρον τον όλον ανατρέπει βίον.

A wrong word can turn your whole life upside down.

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

3 likes
AristophanesΤον δήμον αεί προσποιού υπογλυκαίνων ρηματίοις μαγειρικοίς.

Always keep the populace on your side sweetening it with cooked words.

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

2 likes
  
  Knowledge
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
SocratesΕν οίδα ότι ουδέν οίδα.

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)

58 likes
HeraclitusΠολυμαθίη νόον ου διδάσκει.

Much learning does not teach the mind.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

11 likes
ThucydidesΑμαθία μεν θράσος, λογισμός δε όκνον φέρει.

Ignorance is bold, knowledge is reserved.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

11 likes
PlatoΕπιστήμη ποιητική ευδαιμονίας.

Knowledge creates happiness.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

8 likes
DemocritusΠολλοί πολυμαθέες νόον ουκ έχουσιν.

Many, though widely read, have no sense.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

7 likes
SocratesΈοικα γούν τούτου γε σμικρώ τινι αυτώ τούτω σοφώτερος είναι, ότι ά μη οίδα ουδέ οίομαι ειδέναι.

I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not know.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher ‐ Apology

6 likes
IsokratesΣοφία μόνον κτημάτων αθάνατον.

Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

6 likes
HerodotusΕχθίστη δε οδύνη εστί των εν ανθρώποισι αύτη, πολλά φρονέοντα μηδενός κρατέειν.

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”

5 likes
DemocritusΔύο φησίν είναι γνώσεις: την μεν δια των αισθήσεων την δε δια της διανοίας.

There are two types of knowledge: one through the senses and the other through the intellect.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
AristotleΠάντες άνθρωποι φύσει ορέγονται του ειδέναι.

All men by nature desire to know.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
  
  Dance
EuripidesΠολιά ξυνωρίς, αλλ’ όμως χορευτέον.

We are a pair of greyheads, but still we must dance.

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

2 likes
  
  Art
Marcus AureliusΟυκ έστι χείρων ουδεμία φύσις τέχνης. Και γαρ αι τέχναι τας φύσεις μιμούνται.

No form of Nature is inferior to Art. For the arts merely imitate natural forms

—  Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD, Roman Emperor ‐ Meditations XI, 10

6 likes
  
  Tragedy
AristotleΌστις περί τραγωδίας οίδε, οίδε και περί επών.

Whoever knows about tragedy, knows about epics too.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

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

3 likes
  
  Poetry
EuripidesΠοιητήν δ’ άρα Έρως διδάσκει, καν άμουσος ή το πριν.

Love of course teaches poetry, even to those who had no idea about poetry before.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

6 likes
AristophanesΤοις μεν γαρ παιδαρίοισιν έστι διδάσκαλος όστις φράζει, τοίσιν δ᾽ ηβώσι ποιηταί.

Children have a master to teach them, grown-ups have the poets.

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

3 likes
  
  Writing
TheocritusΩς μεν βούλομαι ου δύναμαι, ως δε δύναμαι ου βούλομαι.

[I don’t write because] I cannot write as I want and I wouldn’t write as I can.

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

3 likes
  
  Quotations
AristotleΑι παροιμίαι παλαιάς εισίν φιλοσοφίας εγκαταλείμματα, περισωθέντα διά συντομίαν και δεξιότητα.

Proverbs are the remnants of old philosophy preserved due to their brevity and smartness.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
  
  Intellectuals
AristophanesΑμαθέστερον πως ειπέ και σαφέστερον.

Say something a little less educated and more apprehensible.

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

3 likes
  
  Science
ArchimedesΔως μοι πα στω και ταν γαν κινάσω.

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

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

10 likes
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
  
  Discovery
ArchimedesΕύρηκα! Εύρηκα!

Eureka! (I found! I found!)

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

(running naked from his bath after dicovering the 'Archimedes principle')

4 likes
  
  Mathematics
PlatoΑεί ο θεός γεωμετρεί.

God always geometrizes.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

12 likes
ArchimedesΜη μου τους κύκλους τάραττε.

Do not disturb my circles!

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

(his last words to the Roman soldier who killed him)

11 likes
Αγεωμέτρητος μηδείς εισίτω.

Let no one untrained in geometry enter.

—  Motto over the entrance to Plato's Academy

6 likes
EucliidΜη είναι βασιλικήν ατραπόν επί γεωμετρίαν.

There is no royal road to geometry.

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

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

5 likes
  
  Systems
AristotleΠάντων γαρ όσα πλείω μέρη έχει και μη έστιν οίον σωρός το παν.

The totality is not a mere heap, but the whole is something besides the parts.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
  
  Logic & Reason
DemocritusΙσχυρότερος ες πειθώ λόγος πολλαχή γίνεται χρυσού.

For persuasion, reasoning is far stronger than gold.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

3 likes
EpictetusΤω λογικώ ζώω μόνον αφόρητόν εστι το άλογον. Το δ’ εύλογον φορητόν.

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

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

2 likes
  
  History
EuripidesΌλβιος όστις ιστορίης έσχεν μάθησιν.

Lucky he who was taught history.

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

5 likes
EuripidesΓυνή τι δράσω; Πώς μόνη σωθήσομαι, ανάδελφος, απάτωρ, άφιλος;

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

4 likes
  
  Thinking
PlatoΆνθρωπος: ο αναθρών ά όπωπε.

Man: one who thinks of what he sees.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

41 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
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
Bias of PrieneΝόει το πραττόμενον.

Think what you are doing.

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

6 likes
CleobulusΦρόνει τι κεδνόν.

Think of something worthy.

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

6 likes
DemocritusΜέγα το εν συμφορήσι, φρονέειν ά δει.

it is important to think clearly in times of trouble.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

4 likes
  
  Philosophy
SocratesO δε ανεξέταστος βίος ου βιωτός ανθρώπω.

Life without enquiry is not worth living for a man.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

62 likes
AntisthenesΕρωτηθείς τι αυτώ περιγέγονεν εκ φιλοσοφίας, έφη, «το δύνασθαι εαυτώ ομιλείν».

When he was asked what advantage had accrued to him from philosophy, his answer was, “The ability to hold converse with myself.”

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

12 likes
PlatoΕάν μη οι βασιλείς φιλοσοφήσουν, ουκ έστιν των δεινών παύλα.

Until the kings become philosophers, there will be no end to the troubles of the states.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

6 likes
  
  Morality
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

28 likes
AristotleΤων περί τα ήθη φευκτών τρία εστίν είδη: κακία, ακρασία, θηριότης.

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

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

5 likes
  

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Ancient Greek quotes

 
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