Hesiod
Hesiod
Hesiodwas a Greek poet generally thought by scholars to have been active between 750 and 650 BC, around the same time as Homer. He is generally regarded as the first written poet in the Western tradition to regard himself as an individual persona with an active role to play in his subject. Ancient authors credited Hesiod and Homer with establishing Greek religious customs. Modern scholars refer to him as a major source on Greek mythology, farming techniques, early economic thought,...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPoet
family brother witness
When you deal with your brother, be pleasant, but get a witness.
men thinking fancy
The man who is rich in fancy thinks that his wagon is already built; poor fool, he does not know that there are a hundred timbers to a wagon.
men sweat virtue
Men must sweat to attain virtue.
evil woe recoil
He for himself weaves woe who weaves for others woe, and evil counsel on the counselor recoils.
ships profit admire
Admire a small ship, but put your freight in a large one; for the larger the load, the greater will be the profit upon profit.
evil gains disaster
Do not seek evil gains; evil gains are the equivalent of disaster
men literature want
For both faith and want of faith have destroyed men alike.
writing winning sweat
Before the gates of excellence the high gods have placed sweat; long is the road thereto and rough and steep at first; but when the heights are reached, then there is ease, though grievously hard in the winning.
wise wisdom men
Far best is he who is himself all-wise, and he, too, good who listens to wise words; But whoso is not wise or lays to hear another's wisdom is a useless man.
morning giving evening
In the morning of like, work; in the midday, give counsel; in the evening, pray.
half fool knows
They are fools who do not know how much the half exceeds the whole.
eye design spy
Aerial spirits, by great Jove design'd To be on earth the guardians of mankind: Invisible to mortal eyes they go, And mark our actions, good or bad, below: The immortal spies with watchful care preside, And thrice ten thousand round their charges glide: They can reward with glory or with gold, A power they by Divine permission hold.
suffering fool needs
Only fools need suffer to learn.
struggle procrastination men
The man who procrastinates struggles with ruin.