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."

“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

All Quotes by Sophocles

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

— Sophocles

Good

“Much wisdom often goes with fewest words.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Always desire to learn something useful.”

— Sophocles

Motivational

“Men should pledge themselves to nothing for reflection makes a liar of their resolution.”

— Sophocles

Men

“A short saying often contains much wisdom.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.”

— Sophocles

Happiness

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

— Sophocles

Money

“To him who is in fear everything rustles.”

— Sophocles

Fear

“Wisdom outweighs any wealth.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Trust dies but mistrust blossoms.”

— Sophocles

Trust

“Men of ill judgment ignore the good that lies within their hands, till they have lost it.”

— Sophocles

Good

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

— Sophocles

Nature

“No lie ever reaches old age.”

— Sophocles

Age

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

— Sophocles

Knowledge

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

— Sophocles

Best

“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

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

— Sophocles

Time

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

— Sophocles

Best

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

— Sophocles

Alone

“War never takes a wicked man by chance, the good man always.”

— Sophocles

War