Quotes from Sophocles

How dreadful the knowledge of the truth can be When there's no help in truth.

Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver.

Nothing vast enters the life of mortals without a curse.

Alas, how terrible is wisdom when it brings no profit to the man that's wise! This I knew well, but had forgotten it, else I would not have come here.

When I have tried and failed, I shall have failed.

The tyrant is a child of Pride Who drinks from his sickening cup Recklessness and vanity, Until from his high crest headlong He plummets to the dust of hope.

Leave me to my own absurdity.

Death is not the worst thing; rather, when one who craves death cannot attain even that wish.

No one loves the messenger who brings bad news.

I have been a stranger here in my own land: All my life

When he endures nothing but endless miseries-- What pleasure is there in living the day after day, Edging slowly back and forth toward death? Anyone who warms their heart with the glow Of flickering hope is worth nothing at all. The noble man should either live with honor or die with honor. That's all there is to be said.

It is the merit of a general to impart good news, and to conceal the truth.

Truly, to tell lies is not honorable; but when the truth entails tremendous ruin, to speak dishonorably is pardonable.

Not even old age knows how to love death.

The gods love those of ordered soul.

I was not born to share the hate, but love.

Evil counsel travels fast.

No treaty is ever an impediment to a cheat.

No wound is worse than counterfeited love.

Hope has often caused the love of gain to ruin men.

Know'st not whate'er we do is done in love?

A soul that is kind and intends justice discovers more than any sophist.

There is a point at which even justice does injury.

When trouble ends even troubles please.