Pittacus of Mytilene

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