Democritus quotes - page 4

Tis not in strength of body nor in gold that men find happiness, but in uprightness and in fulness of understanding. (Democritus)
We ought to regard the interests of the state as of far greater moment than all else, in order that they may be administered well; and we ought not to engage in eager rivalry in despite of equity, nor arrogate to ourselves any power contrary to the common welfare. For a state well administered is our greatest safeguard. In this all is summed up: When the state is in a healthy condition all things prosper; when it is corrupt, all things go to ruin.
Democritus
Man should know from this rule that he is cut off from truth.
Democritus
The enmity of one's kindred is far more bitter than the enmity of strangers.
Democritus
One should emulate works and deeds of virtue, not arguments about it.
Democritus
Men have made an idol of luck as an excuse for their own thoughtlessness. Luck seldom measures swords with wisdom. Most things in life quick wit and sharp vision can set right.
Democritus
He who intends to enjoy life should not be busy about many things, and in what he does should not undertake what exceeds his natural capacity. On the contrary, he should have himself so in hand that even when fortune comes his way, and is apparently ready to lead him on to higher things, he should put her aside and not o'erreach his powers. For a being of moderate size is safer than one that bulks too big.
Democritus
'Tis well to restrain the wicked, and in any case not to join him in his wrong-doing.
Democritus
All who delight in the pleasures of the belly, exceeding all measure in eating and drinking and love, find that the pleasures are brief and last but a short while-only so long as they are eating and drinking-but the pains that come after are many and endure. The longing for the same things keeps ever returning, and whenever the objects of one's desire are realized forthwith the pleasure vanishes, and one has no further use for them. The pleasure is brief, and once more the need for the same things returns.
Democritus
It is better to destroy one's own errors than those of others.
Democritus
The pride of youth is in strength and beauty, the pride of old age is in discretion. (Democritus)
Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity.
Democritus
It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
Democritus
The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.
Democritus
If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
Democritus
The whole Earth is at the hand of the wise man, since the fatherland of an elevated soul is the Universe.
Democritus
By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.
Democritus
Tis hard to fight with anger, but the prudent man keeps it under control.
Democritus
Sweet exists by convention, bitter by convention, colour by convention; atoms and Void [alone] exist in reality. (trans. Freeman 1948), p. 92.
Democritus
Verily we know nothing. Truth is buried deep.
Democritus
Now his principal doctrines were these. That atoms and the vacuum were the beginning of the universe; and that everything else existed only in opinion. (trans. Yonge 1853) (Democritus)
Variant: In cattle excellence is displayed in strength of body; but in men it lies in strength of character.[citation needed].
Democritus