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No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.

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 things are going well, religion and legislation are beneficial; if not, they are of no avail.
SOLON

Benefit Legislation Religion
Pure chastity is beauty to our souls, grace to our bodies, and peace to our desires.
SOLON

Chastity Desire Grace Ourselves Peace Purity Soul
Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.
SOLON

Desire Myself Wealth Wrong
Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.
SOLON

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

Empire Law Obedience People
Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.
SOLON

Call Death Happiness Himself
As I grow older, I constantly learn more.
SOLON

Growth Learning Myself Old
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.
SOLON

Blame God Guard Rule Slave Vice Yourself
In all things let reason be your guide.
SOLON

Guide One Liner Reason Yourself
Society is well governed when its people obey the magistrates, and the magistrates obey the law.
SOLON

Government Law Obedience People Society
Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.
SOLON

Commend Friendship Public
Men keep agreements when it is to the advantage of neither to break them.
SOLON

Advantage Agreement Break
Speech is the mirror of action.
SOLON

Action Mirror One Liner Talk
Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.
SOLON

Character Noble Promise Trust
I grow old learning something new every day.
SOLON

Day Growth Old

No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.

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No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.

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