Bion of Borysthenes quotes

Bion of Borysthenes was a Greek philosopher known for his satirical style and sharp wit. His teachings often challenged traditional beliefs and mocked established customs. He is remembered as one of the most influential Cynic philosophers of the Hellenistic period. Here are 14 of his quotes:

Good slaves are free, but bad free men are slaves of many passions.

Bion of Borysthenes

Wealth is the sinews of success.

Bion of Borysthenes

Though boys throw stones at frogs in sport, the frogs do not die in sport, but in earnest.

Bion of Borysthenes

Self-conceit is the enemy of progress.

Bion of Borysthenes

Just as the good actor perform well whatever role the poet assigns, so too must the good man perform whatever Fortune assigns. For she, says Bion, just like a poet, sometimes assigns the leading role, sometimes that of the supporting role; sometimes that of a king, sometimes that of a beggar. Do not, therefore, being a supporting actor, desire the role of the lead.

Bion of Borysthenes

The road to Hades is easy to travel; at any rate men pass away with their eyes shut.

Bion of Borysthenes

It hurts the bald-head just as much as the thatched-head to have his hairs plucked.

Bion of Borysthenes

Bion insisted on the principle that "The property of friends is common."

Bion of Borysthenes

Once when Bion was at sea in the company of some wicked men, he fell into the hands of pirates; and when the rest said, "We are undone if we are known," – "But I," said he, "am undone if we are not known."

Bion of Borysthenes

Therefore we should not try to alter circumstances but to adapt ourselves to them as they really are, just as sailors do. They don't try to change the winds or the sea but ensure that they are always ready to adapt themselves to conditions. In a flat calm they use the oars; with a following breeze they hoist full sail; in a head wind they shorten sail or heave to. Adapt yourself to circumstances in the same way.

Bion of Borysthenes

Old age is the harbor of all ills.

Bion of Borysthenes

Referring to a wealthy miser he said, "He has not acquired a fortune; the fortune has acquired him."

Bion of Borysthenes