Pericles
Pericles
Pericleswas arguably the most prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator and general of Athens during the Golden Age— specifically the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. He was descended, through his mother, from the powerful and historically influential Alcmaeonid family...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionStatesman
mistake design enemy
I am more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs.
growing-up cutting men
Trees, though they are cut and loped, grow up again quickly, but if men are destroyed, it is not easy to get them again
wise wisdom block
Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all.
age wonder
Future ages will wonder at us, as the present age wonders at us now.
ears arguing difficult
It is difficult to argue with the belly, for it has no ears.
ideas clarity lacking
Having knowledge but lacking the power to express it clearly is no better than never having any ideas at all.
government hands justice
Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors', but is an example to them. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few. But while there exists equal justice to all and alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward of merit
life-and-love waiting counselor
Wait for the wisest of all counselors, Time.
mean deceit show-me
Who makes the fairest show means most deceit.
beautiful mind our-love
Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft.
dark men ideas
An Athenian citizen does not neglect his state because he takes care of his own household; even those of us who are engaged in business have a very fair idea of politics. We do not regard a man who takes no interest in public affairs as harmless. We do not say that such a man 'minds his own business'. Rather we say he has no business here at all.
democratic marketplace
The marketplace is democratic.
teacher time lessons
Time as he grows old teaches many lessons. - Aeschylus Time is the wisest counselor of all.
business men mind
We do not say that a man who takes no interest in public affairs is a man who minds his own business. We say he has no business being here at all.