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."

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“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

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

— Sophocles

Alone

“It is the merit of a general to impart good news, and to conceal the truth.”

— Sophocles

Truth

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

— Sophocles

War

“Silence is an ornament for women.”

— Sophocles

Women

“Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.”

— Sophocles

Happiness

“God's dice always have a lucky roll.”

— Sophocles

God

“Reason is God's crowning gift to man.”

— Sophocles

God

“Success is dependent on effort.”

— Sophocles

Success

“Wisdom outweighs any wealth.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“A short saying often contains much wisdom.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.”

— Sophocles

Happiness

“Ignorant men don't know what good they hold in their hands until they've flung it away.”

— Sophocles

Good

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

— Sophocles

Good

“Always desire to learn something useful.”

— Sophocles

Motivational

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

— Sophocles

Knowledge

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

— Sophocles

Age

“For death is not the worst, but when one wants to die and is not able even to have that.”

— Sophocles

Death

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

— Sophocles

Men

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

— Sophocles

Age