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Menander Quotes

Powerful Menander for Daily Growth

About Menander

Menander (342-291 BCE), an influential Greek comic playwright, was born in Athens during the Hellenistic period. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in New Comedy, a genre that emerged around the same time as his birth, characterized by its focus on domestic life and social issues. Menander's works were heavily influenced by the realities of his era, which was marked by political instability, cultural exchange, and the blending of Greek and Eastern traditions. His plays often dealt with themes such as love, family, identity, and personal growth, making them highly relatable to his audience. Menander's most famous works include "Dyskolos" (The Misanthrope), "Samia" (The Woman from Samos), and "Epitrepontes" (The Disputants). These plays are known for their wit, sophisticated language, and deep insights into human nature. They often feature clever plot twists and character reversals, showcasing Menander's exceptional storytelling abilities. Despite his tremendous success, Menander's life was not without tragedy. He lost his wife and several children at a young age. These personal losses may have influenced the emotional depth found in his works, giving them a poignancy that resonates even today. Menander's plays were widely admired during his lifetime and continued to be performed for centuries afterwards. Although only fragments of his original works survive, they still play a significant role in our understanding of ancient Greek culture and the development of Western comedy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Man is made, as it were, for friendship and fellowship."

Menander's quote emphasizes the fundamental human need for connection and companionship. In essence, he suggests that being social beings is not just a trait or an accident of our species, but rather a crucial part of our nature. Friendships and relationships are vital aspects of our existence, providing us with emotional support, intellectual stimulation, and personal growth opportunities. They help us find meaning, purpose, and happiness in life. Thus, fostering connections with others is not just optional or desirable; it is integral to our very essence as human beings.

"Kindness begets kindness; but cruelty begets cruelty also."

Menander's quote suggests that actions and behaviors often influence their reciprocation. In other words, if one shows kindness, it is likely to inspire more kindness in return. On the contrary, if one acts cruelly, they may instigate further cruelty. This principle underscores the importance of practicing kindness and empathy as a means of fostering positive interactions and relationships among people.

"It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied."

This quote suggests that it's preferable for a person to strive for knowledge, wisdom, and self-improvement (represented by Socrates), even if they are not perfectly content or satisfied, rather than being content with ignorance (a fool). It emphasizes the value of personal growth and intellectual pursuit over mere physical comfort or satisfaction.

"Nothing is more difficult for a man who has tasted freedom, than to return to the chains from which he once escaped."

This quote suggests that once an individual experiences the taste of freedom, it becomes incredibly challenging for them to accept or endure any form of constraint or restriction, having previously known the liberating feeling of self-governance. It underlines the deep emotional impact of personal liberty on an individual's psychological state and their reluctance to revert to a life bound by limitations.

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."

Menander's quote emphasizes that there is an element of wonder and amazement in everything found within nature. This could mean a small detail, like a dewdrop on a leaf, or a larger phenomenon, such as the growth of a tree or the migration of birds. The quote serves to remind us of the beauty and mystery inherent in nature, urging us to appreciate its intricacies, complexities, and the unfathomable processes that sustain life.

I call a fig a fig, a spade a spade.

- Menander

Call, Spade, Fig

The spoken word is man's physician in grief. For this alone has soothing charms for the soul.

- Menander

Alone, Soul, Soothing, Spoken Word

To refrain from all injustice renders us also humane.

- Menander

Injustice, Humane, Also, Refrain

The sword the body wounds, sharp words the mind.

- Menander

Mind, Sword, Wounds, Sharp

The person who has the will to undergo all labor may win any goal.

- Menander

Goal, Will, May, Undergo

Old men are children for the second time.

- Menander

Children, Men, Old, Old Men

'Tis always best to tell the truth. At every crisis, I recommend this as a chief contribution to security in life.

- Menander

Crisis, Always, Chief, Tis

The man who runs may fight again.

- Menander

Man, Again, May, Runs

Even God lends a hand to honest boldness.

- Menander

God, Even, Lends, Boldness

He who labors diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labor.

- Menander

Diligence, Need, Diligently, Despair

Let bravery be thy choice, but not bravado.

- Menander

Choice, Thy, Bravado, Bravery

Whom the gods love dies young.

- Menander

Love, Young, Gods, Dies

'Know thyself' is a good saying, but not in all situations. In many it is better to say 'know others.'

- Menander

Better, Know, Know Thyself, Thyself

The chief beginning of evil is goodness in excess.

- Menander

Beginning, Evil, Chief, Excess

Marriage, if one will face the truth, is an evil, but a necessary evil.

- Menander

Truth, Face, Necessary Evil, Evil

When at a loss about something, go and take counsel by yourself. For in the midst of shouting, the advantageous course is not to be seen, but as one reasons with oneself, it shines out clear.

- Menander

Reasons, Shines, Counsel, Shouting

Riches cover a multitude of woes.

- Menander

Cover, Riches, Woes, Multitude

The character of a man is known from his conversations.

- Menander

Character, His, Known, Conversations

Bad company corrupts good character.

- Menander

Character, Good Character, Company

Intelligence, if it is clever in the direction of the better, is responsible for the greatest benefits of all.

- Menander

Better, Benefits, Clever

A thing hard to track is Fortune.

- Menander

Fortune, Hard, Thing, Track

The Truth, sometimes not sought for, comes forth to the light.

- Menander

Truth, Light, Sometimes, Sought

It is not white hair that engenders wisdom.

- Menander

Wisdom, White, Hair

Culture makes all men gentle.

- Menander

Culture, Men, Makes, Gentle

We live, not as we wish to, but as we can.

- Menander

Live, Wish

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