Aristophanes Quotes

You [demagogues] are like the fishers for eels; in still waters they catch nothing, but if they thoroughly stir up the slime, their fishing is good; in the same way it's only in troublous times that you line your pockets.

How can I study from below, that which is above?

Epops: Come let me see, what shall the name be for our city? [...] Euelpides: Hence, from the clouds, and these meteoric regions, some all-swelling name. Pisthetaerus: Would you “Cloud-cuckoo-land?” (tr. Warter 1830, p. 215)

Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.

If it is necessary for us to do anything [in view of peace], direct us and architect.

πρὸς τάδ’ ἡμῖν, εἴ τι χρὴ δρᾶν, φράζε κἀρχιτεκτόνει.

However, in the view of many Athenians he had, in effect, stolen the credit from Demosthenes. This point is frequently mentioned in the play. Knights was awarded first prize in the drama competition at the Lenaea festival in 424 BC.

... men of sense often learn from their enemies. Prudence is the best safeguard. This principle cannot be learned from a friend, but an enemy extorts it immediately. It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war. And this lesson saves their children, their homes, and their properties.

I must think of something foolproof for a fool.

One's country is wherever one does well.

Où l'on est bien, là est la patrie.

LYSISTRATA May gentle Love and the sweet Cyprian Queen shower seductive charms on our bosoms and all our person. If only we may stir so amorous a feeling among the men that they stand firm as sticks, we shall indeed deserve the name of peace-makers among the Greeks.

Chorus: Under every stone lurks a politician. (tr. in Bartlett 1968, p. 91 or Archive.org)

That is what we do each time we see someone who falls in love with evil strategies, until we hurl him into misery, so he may learn to fear the Gods.

Lamachus: Ah! the Generals! they are numerous, but not good for much! (tr. Athen. 1912, vol. 1, Perseus)

Shrines! Shrines! Surely you don't believe in the gods. What's your argument? Where's your proof?

Lysistrata: To seize the treasury; no more money, no more war.