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

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
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
Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.
SOLON

Commend Friendship Public
Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.
SOLON

Gold People Rich Sheep Wisdom
Chide a friend in private and praise him in public.
SOLON

Appreciation Friendship Himself Praise Public
I grow old, ever learning many things.
SOLON

Growth Learning Old
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
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
Honors achieved far exceed those that are created.
SOLON

Achievement Creation Excess
Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.
SOLON

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

Benefit Legislation Religion
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
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
No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
SOLON

Best Fortunate Happiness Himself Man
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

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

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

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