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Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.

Solon

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
Speech is the mirror of action.
SOLON

Action Mirror One Liner Talk
He who has learned how to obey will know how to command.
SOLON

Command Learning Obedience
In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend.
SOLON

Advice Friendship Please Seek
Say nothing but good of the dead.
SOLON

Death Goodness One Liner
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
Call no man happy until he is dead.
SOLON

Call Death Happiness
Men keep their engagements when it is an advantage to both parties not to break them.
SOLON

Engagement Man Myself Party Relationship
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
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.
SOLON

Character Noble Promise Trust
We can have justice whenever those who have not been injured by injustice are as outraged by it as those who have been.
SOLON

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

Defend Lying Partial Truth Worst
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
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
True blessedness consisteth in a good life and a happy death.
SOLON

Blessing Death Goodness Life True

Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.

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Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.

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Popular Authors

More Solon Quotes