WIST Quotations

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).

Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- Philippics [Philippicae; Antonian Orations], No. 12, ch. 10 / sec. 25 (12.10/12.25) (43-03 BC) [tr. Wiseman]

Dave — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:26:08 +0000

For one who calls himself guardian of the many, as the wise say, should first be guardian of himself.

[Qui multorum custodem se profiteatur, eum sapientes sui primum capitis aiunt custodem esse oportere.]

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
Philippics [Philippicae; Antonian Orations], No. 12, ch. 10 / sec. 25 (12.10/12.25) (43-03 BC) [tr. Wiseman]

On the death of Gaius Trebonius in January, 43 BC, one of the conspirators in Julius Caesar's assassination, who was captured and executed by Dolabella.

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

The wise say that he to whose care the safety of many is entrusted must first show that he can take care of himself. [ed. Harbottle (1897)]

In truth, a man who professes to be himself a defender of many men, wise men say, ought in the first place to show himself able to protect his own life. [tr. Yonge (1903)]

Wise men say that he who professes to be the guard of many should first of all be the guard of his own life. [tr. Ker (Loeb) (1926)]

Publilius Syrus -- Sententiae [Moral Sayings]

Dave — Fri, 20 May 2016 15:22:48 +0000

He is free from danger who, even when safe, is on his guard.

Publilius Syrus (d. 42 BC) Assyrian slave, writer, philosopher [less correctly Publius Syrus]
Sententiae [Moral Sayings]