Euripides
Euripides, the youngest of the three great Athenian playwrights, was born around 485 BC of a family of good standing. He first competed in the dramatic festivals in 455 BC, coming only third; his record of success in the tragic competitions is lower than that of either Aeschylus or Sophocles. There is a tradition that he was unpopular, even a recluse; we are told that he composed poetry in a cave by the sea, near Salamis. What is clear from contemporary evidence, however, is that audiences were facinated by his innovative and often disturbing dramas. His work was controversial already in his lifetime, and he himself was regarded as a 'clever' poet, associated with philosophers and other intellectuals. Towards the end of his life he went to live at the court of Archelaus, King of Macedon. It was during his time there that he wrote what many consider his greatest work, the Bacchae. When news of his death reached Athens in early 406 BC, Sophocles appeared publicly in mourning for him. Euripides is thought to have written about ninety-two plays, of which seventeen tragedies and one satyr-play known to be his survive; the other play which is attributed to him, the Rhesus, may in fact be by a later hand.
57 Quotes
People that seem so glorious are all show; underneath they are like everyone else.
— Euripides
Joint undertakings stand a better chance when they benefit both sides.
— Euripides
Events will take their course, it is no good of being angry at them; he is happiest who wisely turns them to the best account.
— Euripides
Authority is never without hate.
— Euripides
Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.
— Euripides
It is change; all yields its place and goes.
— Euripides
Wealth stays with us a little moment if at all: only our characters are steadfast, not our gold.
— Euripides
Cleverness is not wisdom.
— Euripides
The best prophet is common sense, our native wit.
— Euripides
There is one thing alone that stands the brunt of life throughout its length: a quiet conscience.
— Euripides
There is the sky, which is all men's together.
— Euripides
But learn that to die is a debt we must all pay.
— Euripides
Know first who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
— Euripides
Much effort, much prosperity.
— Euripides
When a good man is hurt all who would be called good must suffer with him.
— Euripides
There is nothing like the sight of an old enemy down on his luck.
— Euripides
Every man is like the company he is wont to keep.
— Euripides
Noble fathers have noble children.
— Euripides
To a father growing old nothing is dearer than a daughter.
— Euripides
When a man's stomach is full it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor.
— Euripides
Forgive, son; men are men; they needs must err.
— Euripides
Fortune truly helps those who are of good judgment.
— Euripides
No one is truly free, they are a slave to wealth, fortune, the law, or other people restraining them from acting according to their will.
— Euripides
No one who lives in error is free.
— Euripides
One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.
— Euripides
Life has no blessing like a prudent friend.
— Euripides
Friends show their love in times of trouble...
— Euripides
I hate it in friends when they come too late to help.
— Euripides
To generous souls every task is noble.
— Euripides
Slight not what's near through aiming at what's far.
— Euripides
In goodness there are all kinds of wisdom.
— Euripides
That glittering hope is immemorial and beckons many men to their undoing.
— Euripides
Often a noble face hides filthy ways.
— Euripides
Ignorance of one's misfortunes is clear gain.
— Euripides
Impudence is the worst of all human diseases.
— Euripides
Some wisdom you must learn from one who's wise.
— Euripides
The language of truth is simple.
— Euripides
Reason can wrestle and overthrow terror.
— Euripides
Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other.
— Euripides
He is not a lover who does not love forever.
— Euripides
The wavering mind is but a base possession.
— Euripides
I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
— Euripides
Nothing has more strength than dire necessity.
— Euripides
To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man.
— Euripides
Do not plan for ventures before finishing what's at hand.
— Euripides
The bold are helpless without cleverness.
— Euripides
The good and the wise lead quiet lives.
— Euripides
Twas but my tongue, 'twas not my soul that swore.
— Euripides
Time will explain it all. He is a talker, and needs no questioning before he speaks.
— Euripides
Among mortals second thoughts are wisest.
— Euripides
Of all things upon earth that bleed and grow, a herb most bruised is woman.
— Euripides
Youth holds no society with grief.
— Euripides
Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor.
— Euripides
But this is slavery, not to speak ones thought.
— Euripides
wealth stays with us a little moment if at all: only our characters are steadfast, not our gold".
— Euripides
The wisest men follow their own direction.
— Euripides
To be dead is the same as never to have been born, And better far than living on in wretchedness. The dead feel nothing; evil then can cause no pain.
— Euripides