Seven Sages of Greece

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The Seven Sages (of Greece) (Greek: οἱ ἑπτά σοφοί, hoi hepta sophoi; c. 620 BC550 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.