Menander's Maxims
Timeless Moral Sayings from Ancient Greek Comedy
Menander (c. 342–290 BC) was the leading playwright of Athenian New Comedy, authoring over 100 plays and winning numerous prizes. His works focused on everyday life, human relationships, and moral lessons. Though most plays are lost, many of his witty and profound maxims (gnomai) survive in quotations by later authors. Here are some of the most famous:
Selected Maxims
Rest assured, for every piece of business the most businesslike thing is to choose the right moment.
We live, not as we wish to, but as we can.
He who labors diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labor.
Bad associates spoil a good character.
Even God lends a hand to honest boldness.
Let bravery be thy choice, but not bravado.
The person who has the will to undergo all labor may win any goal.
Culture makes all men gentle.
No man is free who is not master of himself.
To live, my friend, is not to breathe, but to act.
Learning is the eye of the mind.