Solon Quotes

A half truth is the worst of all lies,because it can be defended in partiality.

In the ideal State laws are few and simple, because they have been derived from certainties. In the corrupt State laws are many and confused, because they have been derived from uncertainties.

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

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.

Seek to learn constantly while you live; do not wait in the faith that old age by itself will bring wisdom.

Society is well governed when its people obey the magistrates, and the magistrates obey the law.

We can have justice whenever those who have not been injured by injustice are as outraged by it as those who have been.

Often the wicked prosper, while the righteous starve; yet I would never exchange my state for theirs, my virtue for their gold. For mine endures, while riches change their owner every day.

The ideal state is that in which an injury done to the least of its citizens is an injury done to all.

In all things that you do, consider the end.

In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.

If all men were to bring their miseries together in one place, most would be glad to take each his own home again rather than take a portion out of the common stock.

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

Laws are like spiders webs which, if anything small falls into them they ensnare it, but large things break through and escape.

Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.

In all things let reason be your guide.

Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.

Satiety comes of riches and contumaciousness of satiety.

Justice, even if slow, is sure.

Call no man happy until he is dead.

Pure chastity is beauty to our souls, grace to our bodies, and peace to our desires.

Know thyself. [Lat., Ne quis nimis. (From the Greek)]

Honors achieved far exceed those that are created.

What thou seest, speak of with caution.

Learn to obey before you command.

I grow old learning something new every day.

No more good must be attempted than the nation can bear

Many evil men are rich, and good men poor, but we shall not exchange with them our excellence for riches.

Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.

Speech is the mirror of action.

As the Deity has given us Greeks all other blessings in moderation, so our moderation gives us a kind of wisdom which is timid, in all likelihood, and fit for common people, not one which is kingly and splendid. This wisdom, such as it is, observing that human life is ever subject to all sorts of vicissitudes, forbids us to be puffed up by the good things we have, or to admire a man's felicity while there is still time for it to change.

True blessedness consisteth in a good life and a happy death.

If things are going well, religion and legislation are beneficial; if not, they are of no avail.

Chide a friend in private and praise him in public.

Men keep their engagements when it is an advantage to both parties not to break them.

Men keep their agreements when it is an advantage to both parties not to break them; and I shall so frame my laws that it will be evident to the Athenians that it will be for their interest to observe them.

If through your vices you afflicted are, Lay not the blame of your distress on God; You made your rulers mighty, gave them guards, So now you groan 'neath slavery's heavy rod.

To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.

No fool can be silent at a feast.

Men keep agreements when it is to the advantage of neither to break them.

I grow old, ever learning many things.

Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.

He that will sell his fame will also sell the public interest.

No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.

Angels are winged with God's power.

Say nothing but good of the dead.

Poets tell many lies.

For often evil men are rich, and good men poor; But we will not exchange with them Our virtue for their wealth since one abides always, While riches change their owners every day.

As I grow older, I constantly learn more.

An unlucky rich man is more capable of satisfying his desires and of riding out disaster when it strikes, but a lucky man is better off than him...He is the one who deserves to be described as happy. But until he is dead, you had better refrain from calling him happy, and just call him fortunate.