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
famous men
For famous men have the whole earth as their memorial.
accept aim burden envy great hatred others rule taken themselves time
All who have taken it upon themselves to rule over others have incurred hatred and unpopularity for a time; but if one has a great aim to pursue, this burden of envy must be accepted, and it is wise to accept it.
certainly empire
Your empire is now like a tyranny: it may have been wrong to take it; it is certainly dangerous to let it go.
fishes great men
Fishes live in the sea, as men do on land: the great ones eat up the little ones.
weapons possession
Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.
kneeling standing dies
Better die standing than live kneeling.
time timing-and-life counselor
Time is the wisest counselor of all.
mistake design enemy
I am more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs.
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.
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.