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

The duties count in addition to relations.

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

(for the things a philosopher should not neglect)

Neighbors see better than foxes.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Always envious the eye of the neighbor.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Diogenes said that love is an occupation for the lazy.

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

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

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

It’s not beauty but character that pleases husbands.

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

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

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

There is nothing better than a good wife.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -702

The best possession of a man is a sympathetic woman.

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

Some people rule cities and are slaves to women.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

To be ruled by a woman is the ultimate disgrace for a man.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A woman brings both great benefit and great distress to man.

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

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

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

When a woman takes off her robe, takes off her shyness as well.

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

When the lamp goes off, all the women are the same.

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

By Zeus, I don’t need anything, I just want to get laid!

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

So, we must refrain from the penis.

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

Neither because of it nor without it.

—  Aristippus, 435-355 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

(answering the question “Does Love exist for Sex?”)

An oath taken during sex is not valid.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

A prostitute and a politician pour similar tears.

—  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)

You live a good life if you don’t have a wife.

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

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

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

A good wife is the salvation of [a man’s] life.

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

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

The man who is lucky in his son-in-law gains a son, whilst the man who fails loses a daughter.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Never say that marriage brings more joy than pain.

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

For marriage is the worst misfortune!

—  Antiphanes, 405-335 BC, Ancient comic poet

Excess of passion brings no glory or honor to men.

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

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

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

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

When the lamp goes off, all the women are the same.

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

Sea, fire and, the third evil, woman.

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

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

—  Ancient Greek proverb

—  Αρχαιοελληνική παροιμία

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

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

Women are more envious and more querulous than men.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

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

We can never trust women again.

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

All evil is done because of women.

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

The female has the will but not the strength.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Woman is adept at getting money for herself and will not easily let herself be deceived. Because they are used to deceive.

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

Women know nothing excpet from what they want.

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

There is no beast like woman so untamed.

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

A woman is a woman’s natural ally.

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

Fire, woman and sea, the mighty three.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

You will find many machinations since you are a woman.

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

Of all the things the hardest to deal with is the woman.

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

Surely it is not for a woman to long for battle.

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

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

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

God has endowed children with magic charm for the men.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

Friendship is one soul living in two bodies.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

—  Antiphanes, 405-335 BC, Ancient comic poet

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

Time tests friends, like fire tests gold.

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

A friend does not abandon his friend in difficulties and in danger.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Accord of mind creates friendship.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A friend and a horse are tested in a difficult situation.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Other dogs bite only their enemies, whereas I bite also my friends in order to save them.

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

Many who seem to be friends are not, whilst some, who do not seem so, are.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

If we have money, we shall have friends.

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

Because they were friends in word, not in deed.

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

A poor man is abandoned by all his friends.

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

Do not become a friend with anybody, before you check how he treats his old friends.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

No one deserves to live who has not at least one good-man-and-true for a friend.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A friend knows his friend in danger.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Become a friend slowly, and when you become, try to stay a friend.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

When your god provides well, who needs friends?

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

Always avoid the company of a vicious man.

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

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

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

If you associate with bad people, you will also become bad.

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

The dialogue within the soul with itself... was named “thinking”.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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)

What you hate don’t do to others.

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

Character lies in polite and friendly speaking.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

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

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

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

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

We can never trust women again.

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

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

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

Do not trust everybody, only the trustworthy.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Don’t trust everybody.

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

For trust and mistrust, alike ruin men.

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

You pay the hit with a hit.

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

Give something and take something.

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

What thou thyself hatest, do to no man.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

Hard work is the father of good reputation.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

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

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

Bad reputation is grievous to bear and hard to get rid of.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -762

To be praised while you live, to be beatified after you die.

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

Don’t talk about the things you don’t know and when you know, don’t say anything.

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

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

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

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 tongue has led many men to destruction.

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

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

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Hear much, speak to the point.

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

Do not let your tongue outrun your mind.

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

Speech is the mirror of action.

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

Speaking is the shadow of action.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

When you say whatever you want [be prepared to] listen to what you don't want.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

—  Ancient Greek phrase

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

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

Not speaking well of others is not only sinful by itself, but lets evil intrude into the soul.

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

Nothing ends unless it passes through the tongue.

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

You should speak truthfully; you should not talk too much.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

Brevity is the source of wit.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Hold your tongue especially in banquets.

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

He or silence keeps or speaks in season.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

The best treasure a man can have is a sparing tongue.

—  Hesiod, 7th cent. BC, Ancient Greek poet ‐ Works and Days -719

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

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.

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

No one believes those who talk much even when they are telling the truth.

—  Plutarch, 47-120 AD, Ancient Greek historian

If you do not check your tongue, you will be in trouble.

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

No fool can be silent at a feast.

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

Of unbridled talk and lawless follies misfortune is the end.

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

Be fond of listening rather than of talking.

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

For all women silence is beauty.

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

Your very silence is as good as a confession.

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

Don’t talk about the things you don’t know and when you know, don’t say anything.

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

Silence alone is not an apology.

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

Silence is true wisdom’s best reply.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

Being silent is better than talking.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Often is man’s best wisdom to be silent.

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

As to the rest I am silent. A big ox stands upon my tongue.

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

You do not speak? But silence is a poor interpreter of words.

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

The eye of Zeus seeing all and understanding all.

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

Neighbors see better than foxes.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

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

From seeing comes love.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Success is apt to cover a multitude of faults.

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

Nothing can be hidden under the son.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Nature is wont to hide herself.

—  Heraclitus, 544-484 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Hide your misfortune.

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

Conceal thy domestic ills.

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

Forgiveness is better than revenge.

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

It is better to fall in with crows than with flatterers; for in the one case you are devoured when dead, in the other case while alive.

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

Fear uses flattery without getting any favors.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

He who loves you will insult you and he who hates you will flatter you.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

Praise is more sweet than all pleasures.

—  Plato, 427-347 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

The beginning of friendship is praise and of animosity is criticism. criticism.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

When somebody told him “many people praise you”, he said “what have I done wrong?”

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

Flatterers are seriously damaging the stupid.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

It is better to be praised by someone else than by yourself.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

The praise of the people is much better than most things.

—  Isokrates, 436-338 BC, Ancient Greek rhetorician

Being praised don’t believe everything.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Don’t praise an unworthy man for his riches.

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

Be afraid of the Greeks bearing gifts.

—  Virgil, 70-19 BC, Roman poet

Just take in peace what gifts the gods will send.

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

The gifts of a bad man bring no good with them.

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

It is said that gifts persuade even the gods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What soon grows old? Favor.

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Turn back a favor.

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

When you take, give back, and you will take again.

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

Small favors at the right time are huge to those who receive them.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

—  Aristotle, 384-322 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

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

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

Take by persuasion, not by force.

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

For persuasion, reasoning is far stronger than gold.

—  Democritus, 470-370 BC, Ancient Greek philosopher

Persuasion has only one temple, speech.

—  Euripides, 480-406 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

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

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

Do not counsel what is most pleasant, but what is best.

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

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

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

I don’t blame those who want to rule but those who are more ready to obey.

—  Thucydides, 460-394 BC, Ancient Greek historian

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

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

Earth and water.

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

(the demand of the Persians from the cities which surrendered to them)

Do not challenge authority.

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

I know they use a short bridle for wild horses.

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

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

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

It is your [secure] position, not you, that insults me.

—  Aesop, 620-560 BC, Ancient Greek fabulist

And you, son Brutus?

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

(his last words, spoken in Greek)

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

The best defense is not to be like your enemy.

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

A deer picks up a fight with the lion.

—  Ancient Greek phrase

Do not speak evil of the dead.

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

All evil is done because of women.

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

Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.

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

There is no man who does not blame his luck.

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

The wolf will be blamed either guilty or not guilty.

—  Ancient Greek proverb

Helen? Ship destroyer, men destroyer, city destroyer.

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

(a play on her name and έλω [=kill])

Pay attention to your enemies, for they are the first to discover your mistakes.

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

The wise learn many things from their enemies.

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

Nothing bad will happen to you by distrusting your enemies.

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

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

—  Socrates, 469-399 BC, Ancient Geek Philosopher

Do not threaten anyone. It is a womanly trait.

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

It is horrible for a woman to stay home alone without a man.

—  Aeschylus, 525-456 BC, Ancient Greek tragedian

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

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