Lucian Quotes

A collection of quotes by Lucian.

Lucian (c. AD 120-200) was a Greek writer and satirist from Samosata, in modern-day Turkey. Known for his sharp wit and biting social commentary, he gained fame for his works such as "Dialogues of the Dead" and "True History". Lucian's writing style was characterized by his clever use of irony and satire to criticize the society and beliefs of his time. His works greatly influenced later satirical writers and philosophers, making him one of the most important figures in the genre. Lucian's exact life details and personal information remain limited.

The historian should be fearless and incorruptible; a man of

The historian should be fearless and incorruptible; a man of independence, loving frankness and truth; one who, as the poet says, calls a fig a fig and a spade a spade. He should yield to neither hatred nor affection, but should be unsparing and unpitying. He should be neither shy nor deprecating, but an impartial judge, giving each side all it deserves but no more. He should know in his writings no country and no city; he should bow to no authority and acknowledge no king. He should never consider what this or that man will think, but should state the facts as they really occurred.

The happy think a lifetime short, but to the unhappy one nig

The happy think a lifetime short, but to the unhappy one night can be an eternity.

Wise is the person at either end. Who can in due measure spa

Wise is the person at either end. Who can in due measure spare as well as spend.

The truth is hidden from us. Even if a mere piece of luck br

The truth is hidden from us. Even if a mere piece of luck brings us straight to it, we shall have no grounded conviction of our success; there are so many similar objects, all claiming to be the real thing.

Success Truth Luck