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Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.

Solon

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
If all men were to bring their miseries together in one place, most would be glad to take each his own home again rather than take a portion out of the common stock.
SOLON

Home Man Misery Oneself Place Togetherness
Angels are winged with God’s power.
SOLON

Angel God Power Wings
Call no man happy until he is dead.
SOLON

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

Defend Lying Partial Truth Worst
He that will sell his fame will also sell the public interest.
SOLON

Frame Interest Public Sale
Justice, even if slow, is sure.
SOLON

Justice One Liner Slow
To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.
SOLON

Empire Law Obedience People
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
No more good must be attempted than the nation can bear.
SOLON

Attempt Goodness Nation Patriot Tolerance Try
Chide a friend in private and praise him in public.
SOLON

Appreciation Friendship Himself Praise Public
Laws are like spiders webs which, if anything small falls into them they ensnare it, but large things break through and escape.
SOLON

Break Escape Law Small Spider
Learn to obey before you command.
SOLON

Command Learning Obedience Yourself
In all things that you do, consider the end.
SOLON

End Yourself
Pure chastity is beauty to our souls, grace to our bodies, and peace to our desires.
SOLON

Chastity Desire Grace Ourselves Peace Purity Soul
Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.
SOLON

Gold People Rich Sheep Wisdom

Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.

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Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.

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