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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

To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.
SOLON

Empire Law Obedience People
Seek to learn constantly while you live; do not wait in the faith that old age by itself will bring wisdom.
SOLON

Age Faith Learning Live Wisdom
Chide a friend in private and praise him in public.
SOLON

Appreciation Friendship Himself Praise Public
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

Confusion Ideal Law Simplicity State Uncertain
Often the wicked prosper, while the righteous starve; yet I would never exchange my state for theirs, my virtue for their gold. For mine endures, while riches change their owner every day.
SOLON

Change Day Prospect Right Starve Virtue Wicket
Learn to obey before you command.
SOLON

Command Learning Obedience Yourself
No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
SOLON

Best Fortunate Happiness Himself Man
Consider your honour, as a gentleman, of more weight than an oath.
SOLON

Gentle Man Promise Yourself
Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.
SOLON

Commend Friendship Public
In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.
SOLON

Advice Friendship Please Seek
Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.
SOLON

Desire Myself Wealth Wrong
That city in which those who are not wronged, no less than those who are wronged, exert themselves to punish the wrongdoers.
SOLON

Action Punishment Wrong
Pure chastity is beauty to our souls, grace to our bodies, and peace to our desires.
SOLON

Chastity Desire Grace Ourselves Peace Purity Soul
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
Call no man happy until he is dead.
SOLON

Call Death Happiness
Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.
SOLON

Character Noble Promise Trust

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