Aeschylus Quotes

Aeschylus was an ancient Greek playwright and poet. He is often regarded as the father of tragedy in Western literature and is known for his surviving works, including "The Oresteia" and "Prometheus Bound." Aeschylus' plays and his exploration of human suffering, fate, and moral dilemmas have had a profound influence on the development of drama.

He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.

You have been trapped in the inescapable net of ru... -Aeschylus

You have been trapped in the inescapable net of ruin by your own want of sense.

When a man's willing and eager the god's join in.

Discovering the context

This quote implies that when a person is enthusiastic, motivated, and ready to take action, the forces of the divine or the universe align in their favor, assisting them in achieving their goals or desires.

I willingly speak to those who know, but for those... -Aeschylus

I willingly speak to those who know, but for those who do not know I forget.

To be free from evil thoughts is God's best gift.

For a murderous blow let murderous blow atone.

Death is easier than a wretched life; and better n... -Aeschylus

Death is easier than a wretched life; and better never to have born than to live and fare badly.

Who, except the gods, can live time through foreve... -Aeschylus

Who, except the gods, can live time through forever without any pain?

Memory is the mother of all wisdom.

What is there more kindly than the feeling between... -Aeschylus

What is there more kindly than the feeling between host and guest?

I would rather be ignorant than knowledgeable of e... -Aeschylus

I would rather be ignorant than knowledgeable of evils.

The anvil of justice is planted firm, and fate who... -Aeschylus

The anvil of justice is planted firm, and fate who makes the sword does the forging in advance.

Mourn for me rather as living than as dead.

It is good even for old men to learn wisdom.

For somehow this disease inheres in tyranny, never... -Aeschylus

For somehow this disease inheres in tyranny, never to trust one's friends.

Discovering the context

The quote suggests a cautionary perspective on trust, warning against trusting friends in situations of tyranny or oppressive regimes, indicating a recognition of the potential betrayal or untrustworthiness of individuals in power.