“There is an ancient saying among men that you cannot thoroughly understand the life of mortals before the man has died, then only can you call it good or bad.”
Author detail
Sophocles (circa. 496 BCE - 406 BCE) was the second of the three ancient Greek tragedians whose work has survived to the present day. His first plays were written later than those of Aeschylus, and earlier than those of Euripides. According to the Suda, a 10th century encyclopedia, Sophocles wrote 120 or more plays during the course of his life, but only seven have survived in a complete form, namely Ajax, Antigone, Trachinian Women, Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus. For almost 50 years, Sophocles was the most-awarded playwright in the dramatic competitions of ancient Athens that took place during the religious festivals of the Lenaea and the Dionysia. Sophocles competed in around thirty drama competitions; he won perhaps twenty four and never received lower than second place. Aeschylus won fourteen competitions and was defeated by Sophocles at times. Euripides won only four competitions.
Quotes
Showing 41-60 of 135
“There is an ancient saying among men that you cannot thoroughly understand the life of mortals before the man has died, then only can you call it good or bad.”
“Time alone reveals the just man; but you might discern a bad man in a single day.”
“How sweet for those faring badly to forget their misfortunes even for a short time.”
“Fortune raises up and fortune brings low both the man who fares well and the one who fares badly; and there is no prophet of the future for mortal men.”
“It is a base thing for a man among the people not to obey those in command. Never in a state can the laws be well administered when fear does not stand firm.”
“Money is the worst currency that ever grew among mankind. This sacks cities, this drives men from their homes, this teaches and corrupts the worthiest minds to turn base deeds.”
“Not even Ares battles against necessity.”
“What house, bloated with luxury, ever became prosperous without a woman's excellence?”
“Trust dies but mistrust blossoms.”
“To give birth is a fearsome thing; there is no hating the child one has borne even when injured by it.”
“Whoever gets up and comes to grips with Love like a boxer is a fool.”
“A human being is only breath and shadow.”
“But whoever gives birth to useless children, what would you say of him except that he has bred sorrows for himself, and furnishes laughter for his enemies.”
“Despair often breeds disease.”
“If you have done terrible things, you must endure terrible things; for thus the sacred light of injustice shines bright.”
“God's dice always have a lucky roll.”
“A wise man does not chatter with one whose mind is sick.”
“No treaty is ever an impediment to a cheat.”
“I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.”
“If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one commandment: 'Thou shalt not ration justice.'”