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."

“Best to live lightly, unthinkingly.”

— Sophocles

Best

All Quotes by Sophocles

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

— Sophocles

Time

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

— Sophocles

Good

“Silence is an ornament for women.”

— Sophocles

Women

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

— Sophocles

Death

“Profit is sweet, even if it comes from deception.”

— Sophocles

Money

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

— Sophocles

Alone

“No lie ever reaches old age.”

— Sophocles

Age

“Evil gains work their punishment.”

— Sophocles

Work

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

— Sophocles

Men

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

— Sophocles

Good

“Fortune 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.”

— Sophocles

Future

“Much wisdom often goes with fewest words.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Always desire to learn something useful.”

— Sophocles

Motivational

“Wisdom outweighs any wealth.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

“Whoever thinks that he alone has speech, or possesses speech or mind above others, when unfolded such men are seen to be empty.”

— Sophocles

Alone

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

— Sophocles

Age

“A short saying often contains much wisdom.”

— Sophocles

Wisdom

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

— 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