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.
SOLONChide a friend in private and praise him in public.
More Solon Quotes
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He who has learned how to obey will know how to command.
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That city in which those who are not wronged, no less than those who are wronged, exert themselves to punish the wrongdoers.
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Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.
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Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.
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Watch well each separate citizen, Lest having in his heart of hearts A secret spear, one still may come Saluting you with cheerful face, And utter with a double tongue The feigned good wishes of his wary mind.
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Justice, even if slow, is sure.
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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.
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Seek to learn constantly while you live; do not wait in the faith that old age by itself will bring wisdom.
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Consider your honour, as a gentleman, of more weight than an oath.
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No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
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Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.
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He that will sell his fame will also sell the public interest.
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Men keep agreements when it is to the advantage of neither to break them.
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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.
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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.
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True blessedness consisteth in a good life and a happy death.
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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.
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Many evil men are rich, and good men poor, but we shall not exchange with them our excellence for riches.
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I grow old, ever learning many things.
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Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.
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Chide a friend in private and praise him in public.
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In all things let reason be your guide.
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In all things that you do, consider the end.
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Laws are like spiders webs which, if anything small falls into them they ensnare it, but large things break through and escape.
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I grow old learning something new every day.
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Poets tell many lies.
SOLON