It is better to be envied than pitied.

— Herodotus

It is clear that not in one thing alone, but in many ways equality and freedom of speech are a good thing.

— Herodotus

It is the greatest and the tallest of trees that the gods bring low with bolts and thunder. For the gods love to thwart whatever is greater than the rest. They do not suffer pride in anyone but themselves.

— Herodotus

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

— Herodotus

Men trust their ears less than their eyes.

— Herodotus

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stay these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

— Herodotus

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

— Herodotus

Now if a man thus favored died as he has lived, he will be just the one you are looking for: the only sort of person who deserves to be called happy. But mark this: until he is dead, keep the word "happy" in reserve. Till then, he is not happy, but only lucky...

— Herodotus

Of all men's miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.

— Herodotus

Of all possessions a friend is the most precious.

— Herodotus