282
πρὸς γὰρ Διός εἰσιν ἅπαντες ξεῖνοί τε πτωχοί τε.
For the poor and beggars are under the protection of Zeus.
By Homer
This quote comes from Homer’s 'Odyssey'. Here, the great poet stresses the divine obligation of treating all people with kindess and hospitality, regardless of their status or origin. It ancient Greece, showing kindness to others was seen as a sign of respect toward the gods.
231
Δεν ελπίζω τίποτα, δεν φοβάμαι τίποτα, είμαι ελεύθερος. I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free.
I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free.
By Νίκος Καζαντζάκης (Nikos Kazantzakis), Greek author
Kazantzakis himself chose these words as his epitaph, now inscribed on his tombstone, a site frequently visited by people from all over the world. The words reflect his belief in letting go of hope driven by desire or fear, allowing for inner freedom through the acceptance of life as it is.
162
"Τους μεν κενούς ασκούς η πνοή διίστησι, τους δ’ ανοήτους, το οίημα"- Τα άδεια σακιά τα φουσκώνει ο αέρας και τους ανόητους η έπαρση.
Empty bags are inflated by the wind, and fools by pride.
By Socrates
Socrates cautions against the dangers of arrogance and self-importance, emphasising the importance of humility rather than being influenced by empty praise.
62
εὕρηκα!
I have found (it)!
By Archimedes, Greek scholar (287-212 BC)
"Eureka" comes from the Ancient Greek, which he said after he had stepped into a bath and noticed that the water level rose, whereupon he suddenly understood that the volume of water displaced must be equal to the volume of the part of his body he had submerged.
173
Έν μόνον αγαθόν είναι, την επιστήμην, και εν μόνον κακόν, την αμάθειαν.
There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.
By Socrates
Socrates believed that knowledge or wisdom is the highest good because it leads to virtuous behavior and true understanding, whereas ignorance causes wrongdoing.
228
ἕν οἶδα, ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα.
The one thing I know is that I know nothing.
By Socrates
This phrase is attributed to Socrates by Plato, and encapsulates a central aspect of Socratic philosophy, which is the recognition of one's own ignorance and the limitations of human knowledge as the first step towards wisdom.
183
Φτάσε όπου δεν μπορείς παιδί μου! Μην ντραπείς αν έπαιξες καλά, κι έχασες… Να ντραπείς αν έπαιξες κακά και κέρδισες.
Reach where you cannot, my child! Do not be ashamed if you played well and lost... Be ashamed if you played badly and won.
By Nikos Kazantzakis , Greek writer
The true measure of success is not just the outcome but the quality of one's efforts and the honour of trying one's best. This quote highlights the importance of pushing beyond one’s limits and striving for goals that seem unattainable. This underscores a moral stance where achieving success through poor performance or minimal effort is less commendable than failing despite giving one’s all.
283
Μη μου τους κύκλους τάραττε.
Do not disturb my circles.
By Archimedes, ancient Greek mathematician
It is claimed that these were Archimedes' last words. Allegedly, a Roman soldier approached Archimedes while engrossed in his mathematical work.
When the soldier interrupted him, Archimedes, absorbed in his work, is claimed to have said, "Do not disturb my circles", indicating that he did not want to be interrupted. Today, the phrase has come to represent the importance of focus, protecting one's intellectual or creative space from unnecessary interruptions.
268
Εάν αποσυνθέσεις την Ελλάδα, στο τέλος θα δεις να σου απομένουν μια ελιά, ένα αμπέλι κι ένα καράβι. Που σημαίνει: με άλλα τόσα την ξαναφτιάχνεις.
If you take Greece apart, In the end, you will be left with an olive tree, a vineyard, and a boat... which means that with these items you can rebuild Greece.
By ΟΔΥΣΣΕΑΣ ΕΛΥΤΗΣ (Odysseas Elytis)
These quintessential images of Greece's agriculture, culture and maritime tradition reflect Elytis' appreciation for Greek identity and culture. These elements alone would be sufficient to rebuild and restore the country, emphasising that these elements, as the essence of Greek identity, provide the foundation for continuity of said identity.
199
ενός κακού μύρια έπονται.
From one misfortune, countless others follow.
By Sophocles, ancient Greek tragedian
One unfortunate event or problem can lead to a series of other misfortunes, as troubles are often not isolated but have broader implications that can affect various other aspects of life.
294
Ανδρών επιφανών πάσα γη τάφος.
For all great men, the entire earth is a tomb.
By Thoukididis
For distinguished or notable individuals, the entire world serves as their final resting place, as the impact of their ideas is not limited to their place of burial but instead leaves a lasting global legacy.
261
Ο ανεξεταστος βιος ου βιωτος ανθρωπω.
The unexamined life is not worth living.
By Σωκρατη (Socrates)
We should continually question the world around us and adopt a thoughtful, reflective approach to life. This will lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
428
Το δις εξαμαρτείν ουκ ανδρός σοφού.
A wise man does not make the same mistake twice.
By Menander, Greek playwright
This quote reflects a key theme in Greek philosophy and literature: the importance of learning from one's mistakes.
202
Σπεύδε βραδέως.
Hasten slowly.
By Αίσωπος (Aesop), ancient Greek storyteller
This oxymoron, which is attributed to Aesop's fables, combines the need to act promptly with the importance of caution and careful deliberation, calling for a moderate approach.
163
Ένα χελιδόνι δεν κάνει την άνοιξη.
One swallow does not make a spring.
By Aristotle
This saying is attributed to Aristotle, meaning that one event or indicator is not enough to judge a situation comprehensively. Therefore, it is essential to consider multiple factors before drawing conclusions.
286
Γηράσκω δ’ αεί πολλά διδασκόμενος.
I grow old ever learning many things.
By Solon, ancient Athenian statesman, known as one of the Seven Sages of Greece
Solon was driven by a deeper inner need for knowledge. This quote emphasises that the process of learning does not stop with age; instead, it continues throughout one's life. Even as one grows older, there is always more to learn and understand.
186
Φτάσε όπου δεν μπορείς.
Reach where you cannot.
By Νίκος Καζαντζάκης, Greek writer
This quote reflects the idea of striving to achieve the impossible and championing courage and perseverance. This aligns with Kazantzakis' broader philosophical beliefs on human potential, existentialism and the search for meaning.
184
Έχεις τα πινέλα, έχεις τα χρώματα, ζωγράφισε τον παράδεισο και μπες μέσα.
You have your brush, you have your colours, you paint the paradise, then in you go.
By Nikos Kazantzakis, Greek author and journalist (1883-1957)
This quote emphasises the power of creativity, as Kazantzakis metaphorically suggests that each person has the necessary tools to create their own 'heaven', or ideal life. If we are unhappy with our life, we should actively take control in shaping it, rather than waiting for it to happen.
230
Ο κόσμος μόνο όταν τον μοιράζεσαι υπάρχει.
Τhe world only exists when you can share it.
By Τάσος Λειβαδίτης (Tasos Leivaditis), Greek poet
Livaditis wrote poetry which reflected on themes of the human spirit and solidarity. He saw human connection and solidarity as essential for overcoming life's hardships, as conveyed in these words.
219
Εάν οι θεοί μιλούν, τότε σίγουρα χρησιμοποιούν τη γλώσσα των Ελλήνων.
Ιf the gods speak, then surely they use the language of Greeks.
By Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman politician, orator and philosopher
264
Ν’ αγαπάς την ευθύνη, να λες εγώ, εγώ μονάχος μου θα σώσω τον κόσμο.
Love responsibility. Say: "It is my duty, and mine alone, to save the earth".
By Nikos Kazantzakis, Greek writer
Kazantzakis often explored themes of existentialism, freedom, and personal duty in his work. This quote is a call to take ownership of one's actions and to contribute to the greater good of the world through a sense of dedication and moral responsibility.