Chilon of Sparta (c.556 BCE) was a Spartan ephor (magistrate) who contributed to expanding his city’s power and influence. A few details concerning him have survived.
Known for his wisdom, Chilon of Sparta was one of the Seven Sages of Greece, who, according to Greek tradition, were seven men of practical wisdom—statesmen, law-givers, and philosophers—of the seventh and sixth centuries BCE.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Chilon of Sparta
Prefer punishment to disgraceful gain; for the one is painful but once, but the other for one’s whole life.
—Chilon of Sparta
The three things most difficult are: to keep a secret, to forget an injury, and to make good use of leisure.
—Chilon of Sparta
Do not dislike divination.
—Chilon of Sparta
Do not desire what is impossible.
—Chilon of Sparta
Be more prompt to go to a friend in adversity than in prosperity.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Friends, Friendship
Obey the laws.
—Chilon of Sparta
Learn how to regulate one’s own house well.
—Chilon of Sparta
Prefer loss before unjust gain: for that brings grief but once; this forever.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Honesty
As the touchstone tries gold, so gold tries men.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Gold
Do not make too much haste on one’s road.
—Chilon of Sparta
If one is strong be also merciful, so that one’s neighbors may respect one rather than fear one.
—Chilon of Sparta
Do not speak evil of the dead.
—Chilon of Sparta
Speak no evil of the dead.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Gossip
Do not laugh at a person in misfortune.
—Chilon of Sparta
When strong, be merciful, if you would have the respect, not the fear of your neighbors.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Strength, Mercy
Restrain anger.
—Chilon of Sparta
Honor old age.
—Chilon of Sparta
Prefer a loss to dishonest gain; the one brings pain at the moment, the other for all time.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Honesty
Do not let one’s tongue outrun one’s sense.
—Chilon of Sparta
Prefer loss to the wealth of dishonest gain; the former vexes you for a time; the latter will bring you lasting remorse.
—Chilon of Sparta
Topics: Wealth
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