Quotes by Sophocles

I would prefer even to fail with honor than to win by cheating.
– Sophocles

It was my care to make my life illustrious not by words more than by deeds.
– Sophocles

All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
– Sophocles

Quick decisions are unsafe decisions.
– Sophocles

Always desire to learn something useful.
– Sophocles

No lie ever reaches old age.
– Sophocles

The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.
– Sophocles

There is no success without hardship.
– Sophocles

Go then if you must, but remember, no matter how foolish your deeds, those who love you will love you still.
– Sophocles

A man can get a reputation from very small things.
– Sophocles

Ignorant men don’t know what good they hold in their hands until they’ve flung it away.
– Sophocles

Who seeks shall find.
– Sophocles

A man, though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more, and must unbend his mind.
– Sophocles

Which would you choose if you could:pleasure for yourself despite your friends or a share in their grief?
– Sophocles

Sons are the anchors of a mother’s life.
– Sophocles

War loves to seek its victims in the young.
– Sophocles

Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life.
– Sophocles

Much wisdom often goes with fewest words.
– Sophocles

I have nothing but contempt for the kind of governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the State.
– Sophocles

Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.
– Sophocles

Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver.
– Sophocles

No man loves life like him that’s growing old.
– Sophocles

You must remember that no one lives a life free from pain and suffering.
– Sophocles

What you cannot enforce, do not command.
– Sophocles

Wisdom outweighs any wealth.
– Sophocles

A short saying oft contains much wisdom.
– Sophocles

Success is dependent on effort.
– Sophocles

The happiest life is to be without thought.
– Sophocles

Death is not the worst thing; rather, when one who craves death cannot attain even that wish.
– Sophocles

Fear? What has a man to do with fear? Chance rules our lives, and the future is all unknown. Best live as we may, from day to day.
– Sophocles