Pittacus of Mytilene Quotes

Pittacus was an ancient Mytilenaen military general and one of the Seven Sages of Greece.

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Pittacus of Mytilene: 11 quotes 5 likes

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Famous Pittacus of Mytilene Quotes

“Forgiveness is better than revenge.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius in Life of Pittacus, i. 76, citing Heraclitus as his source.
Pittacus made this remark to justify his release of his captured enemy Alcaeus.
According to William Shepard Walsh, in Handy-book of Literary Curiosities (1892), p. 392, Epictetus, quoting from the same source, gives the phrase thus: "Forgiveness is better than punishment; for the one is proof of a gentle, the other of a savage, nature."

“Know thy opportunity.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 79.

“Do not say before hand what you are going to do; for if you fail, you will be laughed at.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78.

“Speak no ill of a friend, nor even of an enemy.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78.

“Whatever you rebuke your neighbor for, do not do it yourself.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

Apophthegms of the Seven Sages, in Early Greek Philosophy: Beginnings and Ionian Thinkers, Loeb Classical Library Volume 525 (2016), p. 145

“Even the Gods cannot strive against necessity.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Plato, Protagoras, 345d, and by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 77.

Pittacus of Mytilene Quotes

“Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

Fragm. 10.3

“Cultivate truth, good faith, experience, cleverness, sociability, and industry.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78.

Truth , Faith

“Do not reproach a man with his misfortunes, fearing lest Nemesis may overtake you.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78.

Fear

“Whatever you do, do it well.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 77.

“Power shows the man.”

Pittacus of Mytilene

As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 77.

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