Herodotus Quotes – Wisdom from the Father of History
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave.
Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.
Observe due measure, moderation is best in all things.
Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.
Of all possessions a friend is the most precious.
Great deeds cannot be achieved without great risk.
The destiny of man is in his own soul.
The power to do everything is not given to man; strive you may, but the things outside your control will always remain.
Good fortune is of short duration, and evil fortune is not everlasting.
It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen.
A man’s homeland is wherever he prospers.
It is best to rise from life as if from a banquet, neither thirsty nor drunken.
In endeavoring to please all, he had pleased none.
I feel no shame in my own nature, nor do I feel shame in the nature of any man whatsoever.
Soft words win hard hearts.
To hear, one must be silent.
If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
The measure of a man is what he does with power.
The worst solitude is to have no real friendships.
It is better to be envied than pitied.
Love of honor is the father of every virtue.
A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.
Some men give up their designs when they have almost reached their goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before.
Great victories are won by stubborn resistance.
The worst pain a man can suffer: to have insight into much and power over nothing.
He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.
Happiness is a hard jewel in the heart, guarded by fear.
It is a good sign when men make good offers without being asked.
Under the snow, a cold wind blows.
War is the father of all things.
Character is destiny.
No man can escape his destiny, the next inquiry being how he may best live in the present.
Human happiness is a combination of the animal and the rational life, and when these elements are in the right proportion, then human happiness is complete.
Every man is the architect of his own fortune.
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
A foolish man does not learn from wise words.
Advice is like snow—the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon and the deeper it sinks into the mind.
It is great happiness to be praised of them that are most praiseworthy.
He who has learned how to obey will know how to command.
God does not deal lightly with the false oath.
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide plunder with the proud.
Those who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed, by others.
The only way to get better is to step out of your comfort zone.
The greatest virtue is seen in accepting your own demise with a smile.
The true measure of a society’s greatness lies in how it treats its weakest members.
The most dangerous enemy is the one who smiles to your face.
Knowledge is power, but wisdom is the strength to use it wisely.
The greatest battles are not fought with swords, but with words.