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Not to be born surpasses all reckoning. The next best thing by far, when one has been born is to go back as swiftly as possible whence one came.

Sophocles

But the power of destiny is something awesome; neither wealth, nor Ares, nor a tower, nor dark-hulled ships might escape it.
SOPHOCLES

Darkness Destiny Escape Power Wealth
Do nothing secretly; for Time sees and hears all things, and discloses all.
SOPHOCLES

Secret See Time
A wise doctor does not mutter incantations over a sore that needs the knife.
SOPHOCLES

Doctor Medicine Need Wisdom
Whoever lives among many evils just as I, how can dying not be a source of gain?
SOPHOCLES

Death Evil Live Myself Source
Not to be born is, past all prizing, best.
SOPHOCLES

Best Born Past Prize
A man though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more, and must unbend his mind.
SOPHOCLES

Learning Man Mindset Shame Thinking Wisdom
What greater wound is there than a false friend?
SOPHOCLES

Fake Friendship Greatness Wound
You should not consider a man’s age but his acts.
SOPHOCLES

Act Age Himself Man
Men of ill judgment ignore the good that lies within their hands, till they have lost it.
SOPHOCLES

Goodness Ignore Judgment Lost Man
Wealth makes an ugly person beautiful to look on and an incoherent speech eloquent; and wealth alone can enjoy pleasure even in sickness and can conceal its miseries.
SOPHOCLES

Beautiful Enjoyment Happiness Misery Person Talk Ugly Wealth
A wise player ought to accept his throws and score them, not bewail his luck.
SOPHOCLES

Himself Luck Player Wisdom
None love the messenger who brings bad news.
SOPHOCLES

Bad Love Messenger News
Dark, dark! The horror of darkness, like a shroud, wraps me and bears me on through mist and cloud.
SOPHOCLES

Darkness Horror Myself
Fear? What has a man to do with fear? Chance rules our lives, and the future is all unknown. Best live as we may, from day to day.
SOPHOCLES

Chance Day Fear Live Man Rule
There is a point beyond which even justice becomes unjust.
SOPHOCLES

Beyond Justice Point Statement
I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.
SOPHOCLES

Cheating Failure Honor Preference Respect Win

Not to be born surpasses all reckoning. The next best thing by far, when one has been born is to go back as swiftly as possible whence one came.

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Not to be born surpasses all reckoning. The next best thing by far, when one has been born is to go back as swiftly as possible whence one came.

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Popular Authors

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