Solon Quotes
638 BC–558 BC Greece
Solon (Greek: Σόλων, Sólōn; c. 638 – c. 558 BCE) was an Athenian statesman, lawgiver and poet. He is numbered among the Seven Sages of Greece.
Also known as: Solon of Athens
Random Solon quote
31 quotes
But I grow old ever learning many things.
On every side the immortal mind from men is hidden.
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.
Thus do the evils of the state come home to every citizen.
But wealth God-given doth become to man
A column firm, from base to capital.
In great affairs, it is difficult to please all.
Oft from small trouble groweth mighty woe.
Man sets no limit to the lust for wealth;
For those of us who have the largest means
Strive hard to double them.
The citizens themselves are willing, by their follies and obedience to money, to destroy this great city.
You made your rulers mighty, gave them guards,
So now you groan 'neath slavery's heavy rod.
Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.
'Tis hard to find the hidden mean of prudence,
Which nought can show us but experience.
No mortal is born happy, but they all
Are wretched upon whom the sun looks down.
Let me not die unwept, but let my death
Be cause of grief and mourning to my friends.
Nothing they reck of Justice' holy shrine,
Who silent watches all that comes to pass,
And in due time will mete out due reward.
Satiety is generated by wealth, and insolence by satiety.
Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it,
I do not wish. Justice, even if slow, is sure.
Men keep their engagements when it is an advantage to both parties not to break them.
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.
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.