Never to have been born is best. Everyone knows that, and a close second, once you have appeared in this life, is a quick return, as soon as you can,… - Sophocles

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Never to have been born is best.
Everyone knows that, and a close second,
once you have appeared in this life, is a quick
return, as soon as you can, to where you came from.
In our light-headed youth we carry
blithe ideas, not knowing what blows await,
what hardships are bearing down, closer and closer.
Murder, hatred, strife, resentment, and
envy are lurking, and then, behind them, bitter old age,
powerless, friendless, with evils our only neighbors.

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About Sophocles

Sophocles (Greek: Σοφοκλῆς; 496 – 406 BCE) was a Greek playwright, dramatist, priest, and politician of Classical Athens. He was also a general for the Athenian Empire in the Peloponnesian Wars, and during his service he led the battle against the Peloponnesian Island of Samos.[citation needed]

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Σοφοκλῆς

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The working of the mind discover oft
Dark deeds in darkness schemed, before the act.
More hateful still the miscreant who seeks
When caught, to make a virtue of a crime.

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