Sayings of Bias

Bias of Priene (c. 600-530 BC) was perhaps best known as a righteous lawyer, which is a breath of fresh air for those of us who mainly seem to come across the wicked variety. Due to his fine reputation, a just legal outcome was referred to as a "Prienian decision". 

He is said to have ransomed a group of young women who had been made prisoners of war, raised them as his own daughters, gave them dowries, and then returned them to their fathers in Messenia. 

On another occasion, when Priene was being besieged by Alyattes, Bias fattened up some mules and arranged for them to be released into the enemy camp. When Alyattes then sent negotiators to Priene, Bias covered a pile of dirt with a layer of grain, and so confirmed the impression that the city was well-supplied. 

Bias died at a ripe old age. After pleading his last case, he rested his tired head on his grandson's chest, and was found to have passed away when the decision in his favor was read. 

Find favor with all the citizens, in whatever state you dwell. 

The growth of strength in man is nature's work; but to set forth in speech the interests of one's country is the gift of soul and reason. 

Even chance brings abundance of wealth to many. 

He who cannot bear misfortune is truly unfortunate. 

It is a disease of the soul to be enamored of things impossible of attainment. 

We ought not to dwell upon the woes of others. 

Being asked what is difficult, Bias replied, "Nobly to endure a change for the worse." 

Bias was once on a voyage with some impious men; and, when a storm was encountered, even they began to call upon the gods for help. "Peace!" said he, "lest they hear and become aware that you are here in the ship." 

When an impious man asked Bias to define piety, he was silent; and when the other inquired the reason, "I am silent," he replied, "because you are asking questions about what does not concern you." 

Being asked "What is sweet to men," Bias answered, "Hope." 

Bias said he would rather decide a dispute between two of his enemies than between two of his friends; for in the latter case he would be certain to make one of his friends his enemy, but in the former case he would make one of his enemies his friend. 

Asked what occupation gives a man most pleasure, Bias replied, "Making money." 

Bias advised men to measure life as if they had both a short and a long time to live; to love their friends as if they would some day hate them, the majority of mankind being bad. 

Further, Bias gave this advice: Be slow to set about an enterprise, but persevere in it steadfastly when once it is undertaken. Do not be hasty of speech, for that is a sign of madness. 

Cherish wisdom. Admit the existence of the gods. If a man is unworthy, do not praise him because of his wealth. 

Gain your point by persuasion, not by force. 

Ascribe your good actions to the gods. 

I carry all my effects with me. 

Make wisdom your provision for the journey from youth to old age; for it is a more certain support than all other possessions. 

You should look into a mirror: if you look fine, do fine things; if you look ugly, correct by nobility the defect of your nature.