Seven Sages of Greece
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The Seven Sages (of Greece) (Greek: οἱ ἑπτά σοφοί, hoi hepta sophoi; c. 620 BC–550 BC) was the title given by Greek tradition to seven wise Greek men who were philosophers, statesmen and law-givers.
[edit] List
The standard list is:
| Sage | Original | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Thales of Miletus | Ἐγγύα, πάρα δ᾽ ἄτα. | "To bring surety brings ruin." |
| Solon of Athens | Γνῶθι σεαυτόν. | "Know thyself." |
| Chilon of Sparta | Μη προτρεχέτω η γλώττα της διάνοιας. | "Do not let your tongue outrun your intellect." |
| Pittacus of Mytilene | Γίγνωσκε καιρόν. | "Know thine opportunity." |
| Bias of Priene | Οἱ πλεῖστοι κακοί. | "All men are wicked." |
| Cleobulus of Lindos | Μέτρον ἄριστον. | "Moderation is impeccable." |
| Periander of Corinth | "Forethought in all things." |
[edit] References
- Laertius Diogenes, Lives of the Philosophers: "Thales".
- Oxford Classical Dictionary: "Seven Sages".
- Plato, Protagoras: 343a-b.
[edit] Bibliography
- Harper's Dictionary of Classical Literature and Antiquities, ed. by Harry Thurston Peck, Cooper Square Publishers, Inc., l962.
- Brush Up Your Classics, Michael Macrone, Gramercy Books, NY, 1991.
