Justice, even if slow, is sure.
SolonRead
Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness is determined by one's life experiences and actions, not mere luck.
This quote by Solon emphasizes that happiness cannot be fully assessed until a person's life has come to an end. It suggests that what we often perceive as happiness may simply be periods of good fortune, while true happiness is a deeper state that encompasses the entirety of one's life experiences and actions taken until their death.
Themes
HappinessLifeLuckPhilosophyDeath
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a philosophical discussion on the nature of happiness.
More from Solon
All quotes βNo man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
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Call no man happy until he is dead, but only lucky.
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No one can be said to be happy until he is dead.
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Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.
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If through your vices you afflicted are, Lay not the blame of your distress on God; You made your rulers mighty, gave them guards, So now you groan 'neath slavery's heavy rod.
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