Badness you can get easily, in quantity. The road is smooth and lies close by. But in front of excellence the immortal gods have put sweat, and long and steep is the way to do it, and rough at first. But when you come to the top, then it is easy, even though it is hard.

Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor.

Drink your fill when the jar is first opened, and when it is nearly done, but be sparing when it is half-empty; it's a poor savingwhen you come to the dregs.

There is also an evil report; light, indeed, and easy to raise, but difficult to carry, and still more difficult to get rid of.

In front of excellence, the immortal gods have put sweat, and long and steep is the way to it.

Even though it's hard, it's easy.

It is not possible either to trick or escape the mind of Zeus.