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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.

Solon

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

Defend Lying Partial Truth Worst
In all things that you do, consider the end.
SOLON

End Yourself
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.
SOLON

Advantage Agreement Evidence Frame Interest Man Myself Observation Party
Consider your honour, as a gentleman, of more weight than an oath.
SOLON

Gentle Man Promise Yourself
Chide a friend in private and praise him in public.
SOLON

Appreciation Friendship Himself Praise Public
Men keep their engagements when it is an advantage to both parties not to break them.
SOLON

Engagement Man Myself Party Relationship
In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.
SOLON

Advice Friendship Please Seek
He who has learned how to obey will know how to command.
SOLON

Command Learning Obedience
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.
SOLON

Catch Law Oneself Poor Spider Trap Weakness
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.
SOLON

Citizenship Heart Mindset Oneself Secret Separate
Speech is the mirror of action.
SOLON

Action Mirror One Liner Talk
To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.
SOLON

Empire Law Obedience People
If things are going well, religion and legislation are beneficial; if not, they are of no avail.
SOLON

Benefit Legislation Religion
I grow old, ever learning many things.
SOLON

Growth Learning Old
Angels are winged with God’s power.
SOLON

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

Evil Excellence exchange Man Rich

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.

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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.

Related Topics

Popular Authors

More Solon Quotes