Antisthenes quotes

Antisthenes was an ancient Greek philosopher and a pupil of Socrates, recognized as one of the founders of Cynicism. His teachings emphasized virtue, self-control, and living in accordance with nature. He inspired later philosophers, including Diogenes, and greatly influenced the development of ethical thought. Here are 28 of his quotes:

Value a fair person more than your relatives.

Antisthenes

It is better to fall in with crows than with flatterers; for in the one case you are devoured when dead, in the other case while alive.

Antisthenes

One should attend to one's enemies, for they are the first persons to detect one's errors.

Antisthenes

As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.

Antisthenes

The most necessary learning is that which unlearns evil.

Antisthenes

States are doomed when they are unable to distinguish good men from bad.

Antisthenes

To all my friends without distinction I am ready to display my opulence: come one, come all; and whosoever likes to take a share is welcome to the wealth that lies within my soul.

Antisthenes

The most useful piece of learning for the uses of life is to unlearn what is untrue.

Antisthenes

I'd rather be mad than feel pleasure.

Antisthenes

The investigation of the meaning of words is the beginning of education.

Antisthenes

Virtue is the same for a man and for a woman. (Antisthenes)

Wealth and poverty do not lie in a person's estate, but in their souls.

Antisthenes

There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself - an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly.

Antisthenes

It is a royal privilege to do good and be ill spoken of.

Antisthenes

Not to unlearn what you have learned is the most necessary kind of learning.

Antisthenes

Quarrels often arise in marriages when the bridal gifts are excessive.

Antisthenes

Being asked what learning is the most necessary, he replied, "How to get rid of having anything to unlearn."

Antisthenes

Antisthenes ... used to say that the wise man would regulate his conduct as a citizen, not according to the established laws of the state, but according to the law of virtue.

Antisthenes

Count all wickedness foreign and alien.

Antisthenes

Once, when he was applauded by rascals, he remarked, "I am horribly afraid I have done something wrong."

Antisthenes

I have enough to eat till my hunger is stayed, to drink till my thirst is sated; to clothe myself withal; and out of doors not Callias there, with all his riches, is more safe than I from shivering; and when I find myself indoors, what warmer shirting do I need than my bare walls? what ampler greatcoat than the tiles above my head? (Antisthenes)

Ill repute is a good thing and much the same as pain.

Antisthenes

Antisthenes ... was asked on one occasion what learning was the most necessary, and he replied, "To unlearn one's bad habits."

Antisthenes

There is no work so mean, but it would amply serve me to furnish me with sustenance.

Antisthenes

When he was asked what advantage had accrued to him from philosophy, his answer was, "The ability to hold converse with myself.”.

Antisthenes

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Antisthenes

Antisthenes - Image

Occupation: Greek Philosopher
Born: 445 BC
Died: 365 BC
Quotes count: 28
Wikipedia: Antisthenes

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