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The 25 best known phrases of Sophocles

The 25 best known phrases of Sophocles

March 2, 2024

Sophocles (496 a.C. - 406 a.C.) born in Colon, near Athens, was a prominent tragic poet of Ancient Greece. Among his most famous works are Oedipus Rex and Antigone.

Although he was a prolific author, only seven of his tragedies were preserved intact, and were a touchstone for the tragic genre.

Phrases of Sophocles

With the aim of approaching the work and thoughts of this exceptional Greek poet, In today's article we have set out to collect the best famous quotations and phrases of Sophocles .

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1. Truth can more than reason.

A sample of his realism.


2. The same story always repeats itself: each individual thinks only of himself.

The egocentrism seems to be an inherent characteristic of the human species, according to Sophocles.

3. Noble thing is, even for an old man, learning.

Constant learning gives us a better future.

4. He who is good in the family is also a good citizen.

Affectionate and dedicated family member, civic and responsible citizen.

5. He who dispenses with a friend is like one who dispenses with his life.

The existence is too short to not have loyal people by your side.

6. Marry; If by chance you meet a good woman, you will be happy; otherwise, you will become a philosopher, which is always useful for a man.

In any case, being happy is in your hands.


7. You can not judge a man's life until death has put an end to it.

There is always time to change course ... until death prevents us.

8. For those who are afraid, all are noises.

One of those metaphorical phrases of Sophocles that tells us about a kind of hypochondria.

9. Children are the anchors that tie mothers to life.

On maternal love, infinite and eternal.

10. The most beautiful human work is that of being useful to others.

That others enjoy your company is one of the best prizes.

11. Lying in the midst of misery, the soul sees a lot.

When we are sunk, the soul comes out afloat.

12. You ask me if you should get married or not; Well, whatever you do you will regret.

Ironic phrase of Sophocles before the doubt of a citizen.


13. The heavens never help the man who does not want to act.

If you are not able to take action, do not expect the universe to send you riches.


14. The greatest joy is the unexpected.

Reflection on happiness.

15. Knowledge is the most important part of happiness.

Coinciding with other Greek thinkers, Sophocles gave great importance to accumulate knowledge.

16. It is terrible to speak well when you are wrong.

A great use of oratory does not guarantee having the truth.

17. Common is to make mistakes. But when he has gone wrong, it is not a lack of will, nor determination, to try to correct the error and not to persist in it. Stubbornness is the other name of stupidity.

Correcting own mistakes is a sign of maturity and responsibility.


18. A lie never lives until it gets old.

He has very short legs.

19. The worst evil of man is thoughtlessness.

Who does not know how to think, will not know how to live.

20. Constant and perpetual wealth is virtue.

Great reflection of Sophocles.

21. Many things are portentous, but none like man. It has resources for everything; Only death has not managed to avoid.

Optimistic with the human species, Sophocles spoke thus about the creative potential of each person.

22. The wicked man is known in a single day; to know the just man, it takes more time.

About the types of people and their ethical or perverse background.

23. Death is not the greatest of evils: it is worse to want to die and not be able to do it.

A phrase that seems to speak about the need to legalize euthanasia.

24. Not being born can never be the greatest of favors.

A somewhat pessimistic view of existence.


25. It is always good to navigate when one flees from evil.

Metaphor to apply to life.


TOP 20 Sophocles Quotes (March 2024).


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