14 Quotes & Sayings By Hesiod

Hesiod was the first major poet in the West to write works in the dactylic hexameter, which was subsequently used by Homer and Pindar. He is remembered as one of the earliest Western poets to write works on religion, justice, and ethics. His Works, Theogony and Works and Days, constitute the first epic poems on the subject of Greek religion. Hesiod's Works and Days is addressed first to mortals, second to heroes who are near of kin (kinsmen), third to heroes who are far of kin (distant kinsmen), fourth to gods.

That man is best who sees the truth himself. Good...
1
That man is best who sees the truth himself. Good too is he who listens to wise counsel. But who is neither wise himself nor willing to ponder wisdom is not worth a straw. Hesiod
2
…Perses, hear me out on justice, and take what I have to say to heart; cease thinking of violence. For the son of Kronos, Zeus, has ordained this law to men: that fishes and wild beasts and winged birds should devour one another, since there is no justice in them; but to mankind he gave justice which proves for the best. Hesiod
3
He's only harming himself who's bent upon harming another Hesiod
4
Never wade through the pretty ripples of perpetually flowing rivers, until you have looked at their lovely waters, and prayed to them, and washed your hands in the pale enchanting water. Hesiod
5
No gossip ever dies away entirely if many people voice it: it too is a kind of divinity. Hesiod
6
If you only keep adding little by little it will soon become a big heap. Hesiod
7
The Gods rank work above virtues. Hesiod
8
Happy is the man whom the Muses love: sweet speech flows from his mouth. Hesiod
9
Whoever, fleeing marriage and the sorrows that women cause, does not wish to wed comes to a deadly old age. Hesiod
10
Bring a wife home to your house when you are of the right age, not far short of 30 years, nor much above; this is the right time for marriage. Hesiod
11
Whoever has trusted a woman has trusted deceivers. Hesiod
12
Do not let a flattering woman coax and wheedle you and deceive you she is after your barn. Hesiod
13
Wealth should not be seized, but the god-given is much better. Hesiod