Sophocles (496 BC – 406 BC), born in Colonus, near Athens, was one of the greatest tragic poets of Ancient Greece. His most famous works include Oedipus the King and Antigone.
Although he was an elegant author, only seven of his tragedies have been preserved intact and were a touchstone for the tragic genre.
Quotes by Sophocles
To get closer to the work and thoughts of this exceptional Greek poet, In today's article, we decided to compile the best quotes and famous phrases from Sophocles .
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- “The 70 best famous quotes from Socrates”
- “The 12 best quotes from Empedocles”
1. Truth can do more than reason.
A sample of his realism.
2. The same story is always repeated: each individual thinks only of himself.
Egocentrism seems to be an inherent characteristic of the human species, according to Sophocles.
3. The noblest thing, even for an old man, is to learn.
Constant learning gives us a better future.
4. Those who are good at family are also good citizens.
Affectionate and dedicated family, civic and responsible citizen.
5. Whoever rejects a friend is like someone who rejects his life.
Life is too short to not have loyal people by your side.
6. Marry; if you happen to find a good woman, you will be happy; if not, you will become a philosopher, which is always useful for a man.
Either way, being happy is in your hands.
7. You cannot judge a man's life until death is over.
There is always time to change course… until death stops us.
8. For those who are afraid, everything is noise.
One of those metaphorical phrases from Sophocles that tells us about a kind of hypochondria.
9. Children are the anchors that bind mothers to life.
In maternal love, infinite and eternal.
10. The most beautiful human work is to be useful to others.
Having others like your company is one of the best rewards.
11. Lying in the midst of misery, the soul sees much.
When we are sunk, the soul comes out.
12. You ask me whether or not you should get married; Well, whatever you do, you'll regret it.
Ironic phrase by Sophocles in response to a citizen's doubt.
13. Heaven never helps the man who is unwilling to act.
If you are not able to take action, do not expect the universe to bring you wealth.
14. The greatest joy is the unexpected.
Reflection on happiness.
15. Knowledge is the most considerable part of happiness.
In line with other Greek thinkers, Sophocles placed great importance on the accumulation of knowledge.
16. It's terrible to speak well when you're wrong.
Great public speaking does not guarantee truth.
17. It's common to make mistakes. But when you're wrong, it's not a lack of willpower or verve to try to correct the error and not be stubborn. Stubbornness is another name for stupidity.
Correcting your own mistakes is a sign of maturity and responsibility.
18. A lie never lives to be old.
He has very short legs.
19. Man's worst evil is lack of consideration.
Those who don't know how to think, don't know how to live.
20. Constant and perpetual wealth is virtue.
Great reflection by Sophocles.
21. Many things are mighty, but none are like man. He has the resources for everything; only death he could not prevent.
Optimistic about the human species, Sophocles spoke about the creative potential of each person.
22. A bad man is known in a single day; to know the right man, it takes more time.
About the types of people and their ethical or perverse backgrounds.
23. Death is not the greatest evil: it is worse to want to die and not be able to do so.
A phrase that seems to talk about the need to legalize euthanasia.
24. Not having been born can never be the greatest favor.
A somewhat pessimistic view of existence.
25. It's always good to sail when you're away from evil.
Metaphor to apply to life.