The Seven Sages was a title given in ancient Greece to seven philosophers, statesmen and legislators, of the 6th century BC, who were famous for their wisdom. These were:
Thales of Miletus
Pittacus of Mytilene
Bias of Priene
Solon of Athens
Cleobolus of Lindos
Periander of Corinth
Chilon of Sparta
As I have already made a post about Thales of Miletus here is another one about Pittacus of Mytilene:
PITTACUS OF MYTILENE
Pittacus of Mytilene (640-568 BC) was an ancient Mytilenean general and one of the seven sages of Greece.
Pittacus was a native of Mytilene and son of Hyrradius. He became a general who, with his army was victorious in the battle against the Athenians and their commander Phrynon. In consequence of this victory, he was offered by his compatriots the greatest honour and was proclaimed head of state. After ten years of governing, he resigned, after a very successful period of domination.
When the Athenians were about to attack his city, Pittacus challenged their general to single combat with the understanding that the result would judge the consequences of the war, and thus, much bloodshed was avoided. The challenge was accepted and he killed his enemy with a broad sword. As mentioned above he was chosen as the ruler of his city and ruled for 10 fruitful years, during which time he made wise laws in poetry, one of which was to this effect:
"A crime committed by a person when drunk should receive double punishment than it would be if the offender was sober" which was directed mainly against the aristocrats, who were often guilty of drunk and violent behaviour. This was greatly appreciated by the common people of Lesvos.
A few further advises from Pittacus of Mylilele:
"Forgiveness is better than revenge." "Abstain to speak evil not only of your friends but also of your enemies." "Pardon is better than punishment." "Whatever you do, do it well."
An extremely wise man, that was also very brave, compassionate and magnanimous. The perfect sage and humanitarian.
Thales of Miletus
Pittacus of Mytilene
Bias of Priene
Solon of Athens
Cleobolus of Lindos
Periander of Corinth
Chilon of Sparta
As I have already made a post about Thales of Miletus here is another one about Pittacus of Mytilene:
PITTACUS OF MYTILENE
Pittacus of Mytilene (640-568 BC) was an ancient Mytilenean general and one of the seven sages of Greece.
Pittacus was a native of Mytilene and son of Hyrradius. He became a general who, with his army was victorious in the battle against the Athenians and their commander Phrynon. In consequence of this victory, he was offered by his compatriots the greatest honour and was proclaimed head of state. After ten years of governing, he resigned, after a very successful period of domination.
When the Athenians were about to attack his city, Pittacus challenged their general to single combat with the understanding that the result would judge the consequences of the war, and thus, much bloodshed was avoided. The challenge was accepted and he killed his enemy with a broad sword. As mentioned above he was chosen as the ruler of his city and ruled for 10 fruitful years, during which time he made wise laws in poetry, one of which was to this effect:
"A crime committed by a person when drunk should receive double punishment than it would be if the offender was sober" which was directed mainly against the aristocrats, who were often guilty of drunk and violent behaviour. This was greatly appreciated by the common people of Lesvos.
A few further advises from Pittacus of Mylilele:
"Forgiveness is better than revenge." "Abstain to speak evil not only of your friends but also of your enemies." "Pardon is better than punishment." "Whatever you do, do it well."
An extremely wise man, that was also very brave, compassionate and magnanimous. The perfect sage and humanitarian.
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| A Laurel Wreath for Pittacus of Mytilene |
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