Sophocles

Sophocles

49 quotes

As a 5th century BC Athenian tragic playwright, Sophocles brought a distinctive perspective that shines through in every quotation. The range of their thinking — from Wisdom to Age — speaks to an intellectual restlessness that shows in every quote. Our collection includes 58 quotes from Sophocles, touching on Wisdom, Age, Men, Money, and Happiness — a testament to just how much they had to say. Perhaps their most recognizable line: "No lie ever reaches old age."

“Those whose life is long still strive for gain, and for all mortals all things take second place to money.”

— Sophocles

Money

All Quotes by Sophocles

“How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be when there's no help in the truth.”

— Sophocles

Knowledge

“Not to be born is, past all prizing, best.”

— Sophocles

Best

“It is best to live however one can be.”

— Sophocles

Best

“Time alone reveals the just man but you might discern a bad man in a single day.”

— Sophocles

Alone

“A man growing old becomes a child again.”

— Sophocles

Age

“All is disgust when a man leaves his own nature and does what is unfit.”

— Sophocles

Nature

“Always desire to learn something useful.”

— Sophocles

Motivational

“Old age and the passage of time teach all things.”

— Sophocles

Age

“Much wisdom often goes with fewest words.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Money is the worst currency that ever grew among mankind. This sacks cities, this drives men from their homes, this teaches and corrupts the worthiest minds to turn base deeds.”

— Sophocles

Men

“For the wretched one night is like a thousand for someone faring well death is just one more night.”

— Sophocles

Death

“No speech can stain what is noble by nature.”

— Sophocles

Nature

“To be doing good deeds is man's most glorious task.”

— Sophocles

Good

“Those whose life is long still strive for gain, and for all mortals all things take second place to money.”

— Sophocles

Money

“If you were to offer a thirsty man all wisdom, you would not please him more than if you gave him a drink.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“To him who is in fear everything rustles.”

— Sophocles

Fear

“Success is dependent on effort.”

— Sophocles

Success

“Hide nothing, for time, which sees all and hears all, exposes all.”

— Sophocles

Time

“Not even old age knows how to love death.”

— Sophocles

Age

“Wisdom outweighs any wealth.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom