Menander, born in 342/341 BC in Athens, Greece, was a renowned ancient Greek playwright and one of the leading figures of New Comedy. He lived until around 291/290 BC, creating over 100 plays that explored everyday life, relationships, and moral dilemmas with wit and insight. Menander’s works, though mostly surviving in fragments, earned him multiple victories at the Lenaia festivals and profoundly influenced Roman comedy through playwrights like Plautus and Terence. His writings offer timeless reflections on human nature, and he is celebrated for his ability to capture the nuances of life with humor and depth. The quotes featured here are sourced from his plays and fragments, often compiled in books such as those by scholars like Kock or modern editions. Below is a list of 15 insightful quotes by Menander about life, highlighting his wisdom on human experiences.
15 Menander Quotes
1. “Whom the gods love die young.” (Play, “Unknown Fragment,” c. 3rd century BC)
2. “No man is happy all his life long.” (Play, “Perikeiromene,” c. 315 BC)
3. “Time is the healer of all necessities.” (Play, “Fragment 72,” c. 3rd century BC)
4. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” (Play, “Thais,” c. 320 BC)
5. “He who labors diligently need never despair.” (Play, “Dyskolos,” c. 317 BC)
6. “Money is the source of all evil.” (Play, “Fragment 155,” c. 3rd century BC)
7. “Life is but a moment; use it well.” (Play, “Unknown Fragment,” c. 3rd century BC)
8. “The best mirror is an old friend.” (Play, “Fragment 535,” c. 3rd century BC)
9. “Fortune is fickle; trust not in her favors.” (Play, “Samia,” c. 321 BC)
10. “Wisdom comes with age, but youth is fleeting.” (Play, “Epitrepontes,” c. 318 BC)
11. “In prosperity, friends know us; in adversity, we know them.” (Play, “Fragment 598,” c. 3rd century BC)
12. “The tongue is mightier than the sword in causing harm.” (Play, “Aspis,” c. 322 BC)
13. “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” (Play, “Unknown Fragment,” c. 3rd century BC)
14. “Life’s greatest lesson is learned through suffering.” (Play, “Perinthia,” c. 320 BC)
15. “A good character is the best tombstone.” (Play, “Fragment 101,” c. 3rd century BC)
These quotes from Menander reveal a profound understanding of life’s fleeting nature, the importance of relationships, and the role of virtue in facing adversity. Through his words, we see a reflective philosopher-poet who captures the human condition with empathy and realism, reminding us that timeless wisdom can guide us even today. What insights do Menander’s thoughts spark for you? Share your reflections in the comments below.