Solon
Solon
Solonwas an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic, and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy. He wrote poetry for pleasure, as patriotic propaganda, and in defense of his constitutional reforms...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionStatesman
party men law
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.
speak secrecy caution
What thou seest, speak of with caution.
good-life firsts submit
Rule, after you have first learned to submit to rule.
wealth outrage satiety
Wealth breeds satiety, satiety outrage.
aging grows
I grow old, ever learning many things.
justice ifs
Justice, even if slow, is sure.
government slavery vices
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.
mirrors speech action
Speech is the mirror of action.
angel
Angels are winged with God's power.
happiness men fortunate
No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
law people empires
To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.
religion legislation wells
If things are going well, religion and legislation are beneficial; if not, they are of no avail.
friendship
Reprove your friend privately, commend him publicly.
good-life wish desire
Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.