Herodotus quotes

Born
c. 484 BC.

Died
c. 425 BC.

Occupation
Historian.

Herodotus was a Greek historian who was born in Halicarnassus in the Persian Empire.

Men’s fortunes are on a wheel, which in its turning suffers not the same man to prosper for ever.
– Herodotus

When a woman removes her garment, she also removes the respect that is hers.
– Herodotus

The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance.
– Herodotus

The most hateful human misfortune is for a wise man to have no influence.
– Herodotus

Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
– Herodotus

The gods love to punish whatever is greater than the rest.
– Herodotus

Circumstances rule men; men do not rule circumstances.
– Herodotus

In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.
– Herodotus

He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.
– Herodotus

Remember that with her clothes a woman puts off her modesty.
– Herodotus

God does not suffer presumption in anyone but himself.
– Herodotus

The man who has planned badly, if fortune is on his side, may have had a stroke of luck; but his plan was a bad one nonetheless.
– Herodotus

To think well and to consent to obey someone giving good advice are the same thing.
– Herodotus

Force has no place where there is need of skill.
– Herodotus

Of all possessions a friend is the most precious.
– Herodotus

But I like not these great success of yours; for I know how jealous are the gods.
– Herodotus

If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.
– Herodotus

A man calumniated is doubly injured – first by him who utters the calumny, and then by him who believes it.
– Herodotus

If someone were to put a proposition before men bidding them choose, after examination, the best customs in the world, each nation would certainly select its own.
– Herodotus

The ears of men are lesser agents of belief than their eyes.
– Herodotus

In soft regions are born soft men.
– Herodotus

There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob.
– Herodotus

Death is a delightful hiding place for weary men.
– Herodotus

It is clear that not in one thing alone, but in many ways equality and freedom of speech are a good thing.
– Herodotus

It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen.
– Herodotus

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give lustre, and many more people see than weigh.
– Herodotus

Illness strikes men when they are exposed to change.
– Herodotus

Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
– Herodotus