Homer (800 BC-700 BC)

Homer was an ancient Greek poet who is widely credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Despite uncertainties about his authorship, Homer is considered one of the most influential authors in history.

Quotes

There is a fullness of all things, even of sleep and love.
You will certainly not be able to take the lead in all things yourself, for to one man a god has given deeds of war, and to another the dance, to another lyre and song, and in another wide-sounding Zeus puts a good mind.
It is not possible to fight beyond your strength, even if you strive.
It is not unseemly for a man to die fighting in defense of his country.

Patriotism
Of men who have a sense of honor, more come through alive than are slain, but from those who flee comes neither glory nor any help.
The outcome of the war is in our hands; the outcome of words is in the council.

War
Once harm has been done, even a fool understands it.
I too shall lie in the dust when I am dead, but now let me win noble renown.

Nobility
Zeus does not bring all men's plans to fulfillment.

Planning
Miserable mortals who, like leaves, at one moment flame with life, eating the produce of the land, and at another moment weakly perish.
It is entirely seemly for a young man killed in battle to lie mangled by the bronze spear. In his death all things appear fair. But when dogs shame the gray head and gray chin and nakedness of an old man killed, it is the most piteous thing that happens among wretched mortals.
The fates have given mankind a patient soul.

Fate, Mankind, Patience
Thus have the gods spun the thread for wretched mortals: that they live in grief while they themselves are without cares; for two jars stand on the floor of Zeus of the gifts which he gives, one of evils and another of blessings.
By their own follies they perished, the fools.
Look now how mortals are blaming the gods, for they say that evils come from us, but in fact they themselves have woes beyond their share because of their own follies.
You ought not to practice childish ways, since you are no longer that age.
For rarely are sons similar to their fathers: most are worse, and a few are better than their fathers.

Parents
A young man is embarrassed to question an older one.

Age, Questioning
All men have need of the gods.
The minds of the everlasting gods are not changed suddenly.