Herodotus Quotes – The Father of History
Who Was Herodotus and What Was He Known For?
Herodotus was an ancient Greek historian who is often referred to as the ‘Father of History’.
He wrote a book called ‘The Histories’ which covers in detail the major episodes of the Persian Wars that took place during his lifetime. Herodotus was born in Halicarnassus (located in modern day Turkey) and he traveled widely throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, constructing his Histories from multiple interviews with eyewitnesses.
Herodotus was not only a historian but a social commentator as well – he frequently inserted stories into his work to illustrate points about human nature and civilization. He also wrote extensively on culture and customs, providing invaluable insight into the lives of people in the ancient world.
Herodotus’ quotes are still widely used today and his approach to constructing history from a variety of sources was revolutionary for its time. He left a lasting legacy that has shaped our understanding of the past, and provided inspiration to generations of historians who followed him. His Histories remain an invaluable source of knowledge and wisdom.
Famous Herodotus Quotes
“In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.” Herodotus
“Of all possessions a friend is the most precious.” Herodotus
“The most hateful human misfortune is for a wise man to have no influence.” Herodotus
“How much better a thing it is to be envied than to be pitied.” Herodotus
“The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance.” Herodotus
“It’s impossible for someone who is human to have all good things together, just as there is no single country able to provide all good things for itself.” Herodotus
“Civil strife is as much a greater evil than a concerted war effort as war itself is worse than peace.” Herodotus
“The destiny of man is in his own soul.” Herodotus
“One should always look to the end of everything, how it will finally come out. For the god has shown blessedness to many only to overturn them utterly in the end.” Herodotus
“Force has no place where there is need of skill.” Herodotus
“Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest do not happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.” Herodotus
“Circumstances rule men; men do not rule circumstances.” Herodotus
“Men trust their ears less than their eyes.” 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
“I am bound to tell what I am told, but not in every case to believe it.” Herodotus
“Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.” Herodotus
“All men’s gains are the fruit of venturing.” 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
“Many exceedingly rich men are unhappy, but many middling circumstances are fortunate.” Herodotus
“Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give lustre, and many more people see than weigh.” Herodotus
“Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.” 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
“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
“Great things are won by great dangers.” Herodotus
“Whatever comes from God is impossible for a man to turn back.” Herodotus
“Illness strikes men when they are exposed to change.” Herodotus
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