Quotes from The Histories

Quotations follow the Tom Holland translation (Penguin Classics, 2013) — our recommended edition.

1. 2

   These are the researches of Herodotus of Halicarnassus, which he publishes, in the hope of thereby preserving from decay the remembrance of what men have done, and of preventing the great and wonderful actions of the Greeks and the Barbarians from losing their due meed of glory.

2. 3

   Egypt is an acquired country, the gift of the river.

3. 4

   Nothing mortal travels so fast as these Persian messengers. These men will not be hindered from accomplishing at their best speed the distance which they have to go, either by snow, or rain, or heat, or by the darkness of night.

4. 5

   No one is so foolish as to prefer war to peace, in which, instead of sons burying their fathers, fathers bury their sons.

5. 6

   Call him, however, until he die, not happy but fortunate.

6. 7

   Go, stranger, and to Lacedaemon tell That here, obeying her behests, we fell.

7. 8

   Our Trachinian friend brings us excellent tidings. If the Medes darken the sun, we shall have our fight in the shade.

8. 9

   Men trust their ears less than their eyes.

9. 10

   When this thought smote him he fetched a long breath, and breaking his deep silence, groaned out aloud, thrice uttering the name of Solon.

10. 11

    It is well to bear in mind that chances rule men, and not men chances.

11. 12

    Such is men's wont herein; and Pindar was right, in my judgment, when he said, "Law is the king o'er all."

12. 13

    Of all men's miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.

13. 14

    Fear not all things alike, nor count up every risk. For if in each matter that comes before us thou wilt look to all possible chances, never wilt thou achieve anything.

14. 15

    Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest do not happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.