Edith Hamilton Quotes

It is not hard work that is dreary it is superficial work

The fundamental fact about the Greek was that he had to use his mind. The ancient priests had said 'Thus far and no farther. We set the limits of thought.' The Greek said 'All things are to be examined and called into question. There are no limits set on thought.'

When the freedom they wished for most was the freedom from responsibility then Athens ceased to be free and never was free again.

Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active.

When faith is supported by facts or by logic it ceases to be faith.

They yoked themselves to a car and drew her all the long way through dust and heat. Everyone admired their filial piety when they arrived and the proud and happy mother standing before the statue prayed that Hera would reward them by giving them the best gift in her power. As she finished her prayer the two lads sank to the ground. They were smiling and they looked as if they were peacefully asleep but they were dead. (Biton and Cleobis)

A magical universe was so terrifying because it was so irrational. There was no cause and effect anywhere.

To the Greeks, the word "character" first referred to the stamp upon a coin. By extension, man was the coin, and the character trait was the stamp imprinted upon him. To them, that trait, for example bravery, was a share of something all mankind had, rather than means of distinguishing one from the whole.