Silence is an ornament for women.
SophoclesRead
Time is the only test of honest men, one day is space enough to know a rogue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The passage of time reveals a person's true character and intentions.
In this quote, Sophocles asserts that while time can be a slow and rigorous process, it is ultimately the definitive measure of a person's integrity. Honest individuals will remain true to their character, while those with dishonest intentions will eventually reveal their true selves, often much sooner than one might expect.
Themes
TimeHonestyCharacterIntegrityTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is often used when discussing the importance of patience in assessing someone's true nature.
More from Sophocles
All quotes βNone love the messenger who brings bad news.
SophoclesRead
All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
SophoclesRead
Not even Ares battles against necessity.
SophoclesRead
You clearly hate to yield, but you will regret it when your anger has passed. Such natures are justly the hardest for themselves to bear.
SophoclesRead
There is nothing more hateful than bad advice.
SophoclesRead
Similar quotes
People are like tea bags; you never know how strong they'll be until they're in hot water. In times of trouble, you not only discover what you truly believe but whether or not you can act on your beliefs.
Rita Mae BrownRead
A man of genius makes no mistakes; his errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery.
James JoyceRead
Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.
Betty WhiteRead
There are three words that convey the secret of the art of living, the secret of all success and happiness. One With Life.
Eckhart TolleRead
When you have indulged a lust, your wing drops off; you become lame, abandoned by a fantasy. β¦People fancy they are enjoying themselves, but they are really tearing out their wings for the sake of an illusion.
RumiRead
The greatest service you can render someone else is helping him help himself.
Baltasar GracianRead