It is best not to have been born at all: but, if born, as quickly as possible to return whence one came.
SophoclesFortune raises up and fortune brings low both the man who fares well and the one who fares badly; and there is no prophet of the future for mortal men.
SophoclesShame brings no advantage in misfortunes, for silence (of the accused) is the ally of the speaker.
SophoclesA trifle is often pregnant with high importance; the prudent man neglects no circumstance.
SophoclesOh child, may you be happier than your father, but in all other respects alike. And then you would not be bad.
SophoclesEach say following another, either hastening or putting off our death--what pleasure does it bring? I count that man worthless whois cheered by empty hopes. No, a noble man must either live or die well.
SophoclesDo not believe that you alone can be right.The man who thinks that,The man who maintains that only he has the powerTo reason correctly, the gift to speak, the soul-A man like that, when you know him, turns out empty.
SophoclesAnd if my present actions strike you as foolish, let's just say I've been accused of folly by a fool.
SophoclesWhy should man fear since chance is all in all for him, and he can clearly foreknow nothing? Best to live lightly, as one can, unthinkingly.
SophoclesWealth makes an ugly person beautiful to look on and an incoherent speech eloquent; and wealth alone can enjoy pleasure even in sickness and can conceal its miseries.
SophoclesNow I see that going out into the testing ground of men it is the tongue and not the deed that wins the day.
SophoclesAll men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
Sophocles