Solon
Solon
Solonwas an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic, and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy. He wrote poetry for pleasure, as patriotic propaganda, and in defense of his constitutional reforms...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionStatesman
good-life happy-death blessedness
True blessedness consisteth in a good life and a happy death.
fame interest sells
He that will sell his fame will also sell the public interest.
riches satiety
Satiety comes of riches and contumaciousness of satiety.
soul grace desire
Pure chastity is beauty to our souls, grace to our bodies, and peace to our desires.
integrity men evil
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.
wisdom sheep people
Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.
learning-something-new something-new grows
I grow old learning something new every day.
mirrors speech action
Speech is the mirror of action.
aging grows
I grow old, ever learning many things.
good-life wish desire
Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.
good-life firsts submit
Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.
trust character nobility
Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.
friendship
Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.
fool silent
No fool can be silent at a feast.