Herodotus, born 484 Bc, was a historian from ancient Greece. He is most well known for his detailed analysis of the Greco-Persian war. He is often referred to as ‘The Father of History’.’
Herodotus one was one of the first writers to use a systematic investigative style to analyse historical events. He would organise his writings using a historiographic narrative, which was a relatively new concept to use back in those times.
Find below a collection of his best quotes about history, wars, and much more.
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Haste in every business brings failures.
Herodotus
Circumstances rule men; men do not rule circumstances.
Herodotus
Where wisdom is called for, force is of little use.
Herodotus
Those who are guided by reason are generally successful in their plans; those who are rash and precipitate seldom enjoy the favour of the gods.
Herodotus
All men's gains are the fruit of venturing.
Herodotus
Of all men's miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.
Herodotus
If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.
Herodotus
The man who has planned badly, if fortune is on his side, may have had a stroke of luck; but his plan was a bad one nonetheless.
Herodotus
The secret of success is that it is not the absence of failure, but the absence of envy.
Herodotus
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
Herodotus
The worst part a man can suffer is to have insight into much and power over nothing.
Herodotus
The man of affluence is not in fact more happy than the possessor of a bare competency, unless, in addition to his wealth, the end of his life be fortunate. We often see misery dwelling in the midst of splendour, whilst real happiness is found in humbler stations.
Herodotus
When life is so burdensome death has become a sought after refuge.
Herodotus
The most hateful human misfortune is for a wise man to have no influence.
Herodotus
It is clear that not in one thing alone, but in many ways equality and freedom of speech are a good thing.
Herodotus
Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
Herodotus
The destiny of man is in his own soul.
Herodotus
He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.
Herodotus
Let there be nothing untried; for nothing happens by itself, but men obtain all things by trying.
Herodotus
All of life is action and passion, and not to be involved in the actions and passions of your time is to risk having not really lived at all.
Herodotus
The worst pain a man can have is to know much and be impotent to act.
Herodotus
It is better to be envied than pitied.
Herodotus
Force has no place where there is need of skill.
Herodotus
Adversity has the effect of drawing out strength and qualities of a man that would have laid dormant in its absence.
Herodotus
If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.
Herodotus
I know that human happiness never remains long in the same place.
Herodotus
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
Herodotus
If you have enjoyed reading these quotes from Herodotus we suggest you read 35 Quotes From Plato About Love, Politics, Democracy and More.
