“ The wisest man will let himself be swayedBy others' wisdom and relax in time. ”
Sophocles, Antigone (c. 441 BC). copy citation
| Author | Sophocles |
|---|---|
| Source | Antigone |
| Topic | wisdom time |
| Date | c. 441 BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by F. Storr |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/31/31-h/31-h.htm |
Context
“Therefore, my father, cling not to one mood,
And deemed not thou art right, all others wrong.
For whoso thinks that wisdom dwells with him,
That he alone can speak or think aright,
Such oracles are empty breath when tried.
The wisest man will let himself be swayed
By others' wisdom and relax in time.
See how the trees beside a stream in flood
Save, if they yield to force, each spray unharmed,
But by resisting perish root and branch.
The mariner who keeps his mainsheet taut,
And will not slacken in the gale, is like”
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