Wisdom from the Ancients

Emilie Savage-Smith, Simon Swain

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English

Bodleian Library
01 September 2023

Philosophy; Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500

Words of wisdom and advice for leading a good life have long been part of society, handed down from one generation to the next.

Plenty of these wise observations originated from the philosophers of Ancient Greece and Rome, and went on to circulate widely among the Arabic-speaking communities of the middle ages, who added new sayings of their own. This collection features over 400 sayings, riddles and aphorisms from the ancient and medieval world in English translation. Grouped by themes including medicine, food, politics and nature, they derive from a range of philosophers and physicians, from Aristotle, Socrates and Plato to al-Kind, Ibn Hind and al-Rz.

Packed with timeless advice to contemplate, share and enjoy, this entertaining book offers readers a gateway to ancient and medieval cultures whose musings on philosophy, health and life are as authoritative and relevant now as they were then.

'There is much to know, but life is short. Take the knowledge that you can achieve, from little to more.' - Hippocrates

'Wisdom is the nourishment and adornment of the soul.' - Ibn al-igh al-Antar

'Pleasing all people is an impossible goal, but do not worry about the anger of those who are pleased with tyranny.' - Aristotle

Edited by: Emilie Savage-Smith, Simon Swain
Imprint: Bodleian Library
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 184mm, Width: 118mm,
Weight: 322g
ISBN: 9781851246144
ISBN 10: 1851246142
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 01 September 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction 1 The Authors of the Sayings 15 T H E C O L L E C T E D S AY I N G S The Value of Wisdom & Education 21 Religion & God 39 Nature & time 47 The Human Condition 51 The Body & Health 93 Society 117 Politics & Power 125 Love, Sex & Friendship 135 Money & Possessions 139 Pleasures & Desires 145 Sources 151 Further Reading 155 Notes 157 Acknowledgements 163 Index 165

EMILIE SAVAGE-SMITH is Emeritus Professor of the History of Islamic Science at the University of Oxford. SIMON SWAIN is Professor of Classics and Greco-Arabic at the University of Warwick.

Reviews for Wisdom from the Ancients

""Pleasing all people is an impossible goal, but do not worry about the anger of those who are pleased with tyranny.""-- ""Aristotle"" ""There is much to know, but life is short. Take the knowledge that you can achieve, from little to more.""-- ""Hippocrates""