Seven Sages of Greece - The Seven Sages

The Seven Sages

Traditionally, each of the seven sages represents an aspect of worldly wisdom which is summarized by an aphorism. Although the list of sages sometimes varies, the ones usually included are the following:

• Cleobulus of Lindos: "Moderation is the best thing." He governed as tyrant of Lindos, in the Greek island of Rhodes, circa 600 BC.

• Solon of Athens: "Keep everything with moderation." Solon (c. 638-558 BC) was a famous legislator and reformer from Athens, framing the laws which shaped the Athenian democracy.

• Chilon of Sparta: "You should not desire the impossible." Chilon was a Spartan politician from the 6th century BC, to whom the militarization of Spartan society was attributed.

• Bias of Priene: "Most men are bad." Bias was a politician and legislator of the 6th century BC.

• Thales of Miletus: (c. 624 BC – c. 546 BC) Thales is the first well-known philosopher and mathematician. His advice, "Know thyself," was engraved on the front façade of the Oracle of Apollo in Delphi.

• Pittacus of Mytilene (c. 640-568 BC), governed Mytilene (Lesbos) along with Myrsilus. He tried to reduce the power of the nobility and was able to govern with the support of the popular classes, whom he favoured. He famously said "You should know which opportunities to choose."

• Periander of Corinth (fl. 627 BC): he was the tyrant of Corinth in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. During his rule, Corinth knew a golden age of unprecedented stability. He was known saying "Be farsighted with everything."