Aristophanes Quotes

Under every stone lurks a politician.

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

A man can learn wisdom even from a foe

Magistrate: May I die a thousand deaths ere I obey one who wears a veil!

Lysistrata: If that's all that troubles you, here take my veil, wrap it round your head, and hold your tounge. Then take this basket; put on a girdle, card wool, munch beans. The War shall be women's business.

Calonice: My dear Lysistrata, just what is this matter you've summoned us women to consider.What's up? Something big?

Lysistrata: Very big.

Calonice: (interested) Is it stout too?

Lysistrata: (smiling) Yes, indeed — both big and stout.

Calonice: What? And the women still haven't come?

Lysistrata: It's not what you suppose; they'd come soon enough for that.

Even if you persuade me, you won’t persuade me.

Magistrate: What do you propose to do then, pray?

Lysistrata: You ask me that! Why, we propose to administer the treasury ourselves

Magistrate: You do?

Lysistrata: What is there in that a surprise to you? Do we not administer the budget of household expenses?

Magistrate: But that is not the same thing.

Lysistrata: How so – not the same thing?

Magistrate: It is the treasury supplies the expenses of the War.

Lysistrata: That's our first principle – no War!

That man is sharp who can say what he wants in a minimum of words.

Chorus of old men: How true the saying: 'Tis impossible to live with the baggages, impossible to live without 'em.

Men of sense often learn from their enemies. 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.

Comedy too can sometimes discern what is right.

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

Politics, these days, is no occupation
for an educated man, a man of character.
Ignorance and total lousiness are better.

One’s country is wherever one does well.

I must think of something foolproof for a fool.