Pittacus of Mytilene

thumb|upright|Bust of Pittacus, Roman copy of a Greek original of the Late Classical period, Louvre Pittacus of Mytilene (c. 640-568 BC), Greek statesman and philosopher, one of the Seven Sages of Greece. Quotes Forgiveness is better than revenge. 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." Whatever you do, do it well. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 77. Even the Gods cannot strive against necessity. As quoted by Plato, Protagoras, 345d, and by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 77. Power shows the man. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 77. Do not say before hand what you are going to do; for if you fail, you will be laughed at. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78. Do not reproach a man with his misfortunes, fearing lest Nemesis may overtake you. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78. Speak no ill of a friend, nor even of an enemy. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78. Cultivate truth, good faith, experience, cleverness, sociability, and industry. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 78. καιρὸν γνῶθι Know thy opportunity. As quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, i. 79. Whatever you rebuke your neighbor for, do not do it yourself. Apophthegms of the Seven Sages, in Early Greek Philosophy: Beginnings and Ionian Thinkers, Loeb Classical Library Volume 525 (2016), p. 145 External links Category:Heads of state Category:Military leaders from Greece Category:Philosophers from Greece Category:BCE births Category:BCE deaths