Solon Quotes

Laws are like spider's webs: If some poor weak creature comes up against them, it is caught; but a big one can break through and get away.

In the ideal State laws are few and simple, because they have been derived from certainties. In the corrupt State laws are many and confused, because they have been derived from uncertainties.

In all things that you do, consider the end.

A half truth is the worst of all lies,because it can be defended in partiality.

Seek to learn constantly while you live; do not wait in the faith that old age by itself will bring wisdom.

We can have justice whenever those who have not been injured by injustice are as outraged by it as those who have been.

Society is well governed when its people obey the magistrates, and the magistrates obey the law.

He who has learned how to obey will know how to command.

I grow old learning something new every day.

The ideal state is that in which an injury done to the least of its citizens is an injury done to all.

Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.

Often the wicked prosper, while the righteous starve; yet I would never exchange my state for theirs, my virtue for their gold. For mine endures, while riches change their owner every day.

In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.

Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.

In all things let reason be your guide.

Justice, even if slow, is sure.

If all men were to bring their miseries together in one place, most would be glad to take each his own home again rather than take a portion out of the common stock.

Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.

Call no man happy until he is dead.

Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.

Many evil men are rich, and good men poor, but we shall not exchange with them our excellence for riches.

Laws are like spiders webs which, if anything small falls into them they ensnare it, but large things break through and escape.

Wealth breeds satiety, satiety outrage.

Know thyself. [Lat., Ne quis nimis. (From the Greek)]

Honors achieved far exceed those that are created.