Democritus -- Fragment 87 (Diels) [tr. Freeman (1948)]

Dave — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:37:06 +0000

One must be on one’s guard against the bad man, lest he seize his opportunity.

[Τον φαύλον παραφυλάττειν δει, μη καιρού λάβηται.]

Democritus (c. 460 BC – c. 370 BC) Greek philosopher
Fragment 87 (Diels) [tr. Freeman (1948)]

(Source (Greek); Diels 87. (152 N.)). Other translations:

It is necessary to guard against the fool lest he find an opportunity.
[tr. @sentantiq (2018); Fr. 88]

We should guard against bad men lest they seize the opportunity.
[E.g.]

Also cited as Frag. 409 [F278] D 53 (B87).

Shakespeare, William -- Winter’s Tale, Act 4, sc. 4, l. 796ff (4.4.796-797) (1611)

Dave — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:57:28 +0000

AUTOLYCUS: I see this is the time that the unjust man doth thrive.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) English dramatist and poet
Winter’s Tale, Act 4, sc. 4, l. 796ff (4.4.796-797) (1611)

WIST Quotations

Democritus -- Fragment 87 (Diels) [tr. Freeman (1948)]

Shakespeare, William -- Winter’s Tale, Act 4, sc. 4, l. 796ff (4.4.796-797) (1611)