Theognis of Megara quotes

Theognis of Megara was an ancient Greek elegiac poet, renowned for his moral and political verses. His poetry reflects the values, concerns, and struggles of the aristocratic society in archaic Greece. He is remembered for the collection of poems known as the "Theognidea," which has influenced generations of readers and thinkers. Here are 18 of his quotes:

Ploutos, no wonder mortals worship you: You are so tolerant of their sins!

Theognis of Megara

One finds many companions for food and drink, but in a serious business a man's companions are few.

Theognis of Megara

Surfeit begets insolence, when prosperity comes to a bad man.

Theognis of Megara

Too many tongues have gates which fly apart Too easily, and care for many things That don't concern them.

Theognis of Megara

Unless the gods deceive my mind, That man is forging fetters for himself.

Theognis of Megara

Even to a wicked man a divinity gives wealth, Cyrus, but to few men comes the gift of excellence.

Theognis of Megara

Adopt the character of the twisting octopus, which takes on the appearance of the nearby rock.

Theognis of Megara

Wine is wont to show the mind of man.

Theognis of Megara

The deckhands are in control, and the base have the upper hand over the noble.

Theognis of Megara

The best of all things for earthly men is not to be born and not to see the beams of the bright sun; but if born, then as quickly as possible to pass the gates of Hades, and to lie deep buried.

Theognis of Megara

Don't wag the tail of life if it goes well, But leave in undisturbed. If it should go Badly, rock it until it straightens up.

Theognis of Megara

The lucky man is honored ... But earnest striving wins no praise at all.

Theognis of Megara

We struggle onward, ignorant and blind, For a result unknown and undesign'd; Avoiding seeming ills, misunderstood, Embracing evil as a seeming good.

Theognis of Megara

Many bad men are rich, many good men are poor. But we will not exchange wealth for virtue along with them. One man has money now, another has money at another time. Money goes around, whereas virtue endures.

Theognis of Megara

Adopt the character of the twisting octopus, which takes on the appearance of the nearby rock . Now follow in this direction, now turn a different hue.

Theognis of Megara

We struggle onward, ignorant and blind.

Theognis of Megara