In the midst of modern life’s chaotic pace, it’s easy to feel lost in the noise of conflicting opinions and fleeting trends. Yet, amidst the buzz, there lies a timeless wisdom that has endured for centuries, waiting to be rediscovered and applied to our daily lives. Ancient Greek maxims, born from the cradle of Western philosophy, hold a profound power to transform our perspectives, inform our decisions, and guide us towards a more fulfilling existence.
These concise, yet potent, phrases distill the essence of human experience, offering sage advice on how to navigate life’s complexities, cultivate virtues, and find balance in a world that often seems to be spinning out of control.
In this article, we’ll delve into the wisdom of ancient Greece, exploring how these maxims can be applied to modern life, and how they can help you cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, happiness, and inner peace.
In the ancient world, wise men and women of Greece inscribed powerful maxims on temple walls, coins, and even tombstones, leaving behind a treasure trove of timeless wisdom.
For centuries, these maxims guided the daily lives of Greeks, from the esteemed philosophers to the common citizens.
Today, these ancient Greek maxims continue to resonate with people from all walks of life, offering a refreshing perspective on how to navigate life’s challenges and triumphs.

By applying these ancient wisdoms to our modern lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, improve our relationships, and find inner peace in a chaotic world.
While ancient scholars like Diogenes Laertius and Stobaeus credited the Seven Sages of Greece with authoring the maxims, modern scholars believe that their true origin is uncertain and that they likely originated as popular proverbs later attributed to specific sages.
This set of 147 concise principles, known as the Delphic Maxims, offers a guiding philosophy for living a virtuous and honorable life.
Three of these maxims, “Know thyself”, “Nothing in excess”, and “Give a pledge and trouble is at hand”, held a prominent position at the temple’s entrance at Delphi as early as the 6th century B.C. According to legend, these maxims were originally imparted by the Oracle of Apollo, Pythia, and thus attributed to the god himself.
Throughout history, these aphorisms have provided profound insights into universal human experiences, such as love, friendship, and work, as well as everyday concerns like debt, reward, gossip, and goals. Educators like Quintilian, a Roman rhetorician, advocated for the frequent study of these maxims as a means of cultivating moral character.
The Stoics, who were deeply familiar with the Delphic Maxims, built their philosophical system on the idea that living virtuously leads to happiness. At the heart of Stoicism lies a set of maxims that speak to the very essence of human existence, offering guidance on how to achieve fulfillment, contentment, and harmony with oneself and others – in essence, how to live a happy life.
In the Ancient Greek world, the pursuit of virtue was considered the highest aspiration of human life.
The great philosophers of the time, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, believed that living a virtuous life was the key to achieving true happiness, wisdom, and fulfillment.
The Delphic Maxims offer timeless advice on how to cultivate virtues like self-control, courage, and wisdom.
By embracing these maxims, you can develop a strong sense of character, make better decisions, and live a life that is marked by integrity, compassion, and purpose.

By incorporating these ancient Greek maxims into your daily life, you can transform your relationships, your work, and your very sense of self, and unlock a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness.
In the midst of life’s chaos, cultivating inner peace and happiness can seem like an elusive dream.
Yet, the ancient Greeks had a profound understanding of the importance of cultivating a sense of inner calm and contentment.
By embracing this wisdom, you can quiet the mind, let go of unnecessary desires, and focus on what truly brings you joy.
The ancient Greeks also recognized the fleeting nature of external pleasures, and instead, advocated for the pursuit of inner fulfillment.
By embracing the concept of “eudaimonia,” or living a life of virtue and happiness, you can experience a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. By incorporating these timeless maxims into your daily life, you can break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety, and instead, cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness that will stay with you for a lifetime.
How can we take these ancient words of wisdom and apply them to our modern lives? The answer lies in embracing the timelessness of their messages.
By reflecting on the eternal truths contained within these maxims, we can begin to transform our daily lives, relationships, and even our very sense of purpose. We can learn to cultivate virtues like courage, justice, and wisdom, and apply them to our careers, our relationships, and our personal growth.

We can use the wisdom of the ancient Greeks to navigate the complexities of modern life and discover a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment. By integrating these ancient maxims into our daily lives, we can unlock a profound sense of wisdom, clarity, and purpose, and begin to live a life that is truly authentic, engaged, and fulfilling.
The full translation and explanation for all 147 Delphic Maxims:
1. ΕΠΟΥ ΘΕΩ = Follow God
2. ΘΕΟΥΣ ΣΕΒΟΥ = Respect the gods
3. ΓΟΝΕΙΣ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect your parents
4. ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΝ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect the elders
5. ΙΚΕΤΑΣ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect the ones that implore you (that plead to you)
6. ΣΕΑΥΤΟΝ ΑΙΔΟΥ = Respect yourself (respect your own self)
7. ΦΟΝΟΥ ΑΠΕΧΟΥ = Do not murder (Note: a distinction has to be made: if you have to you must protect your country, yourself (self-defense) or your family BUT do not murder – do not kill the innocent)
8. ΟΡΚΩ ΜΗ ΧΡΩ = Do not vow (be reliable without the need to vow to the gods)
9. ΟΥΣ ΤΡΕΦΕΙΣ, ΑΓΑΠΑ = Love the ones you feed / nourish (your children and in general your family)
10. ΕΣΤΙΑΝ ΤΙΜΑ = Honor your house
11. ΓΑΜΟΥΣ ΚΡΑΤΕΙ = Respect and keep your marriage
12. ΓΑΜΕΙΝ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ ΚΑΙΡΟΝ ΓΝΩΘΙ = Get married at the right time (or: realize when your time comes to get married)
13. ΕΞ ΕΥΓΕΝΩΝ ΓΕΝΝΑ = Try to become kin (relative) with good (ethical) people
14. Ο ΜΕΛΛΕΙΣ ΔΟΣ = Give attention, and love, to the ones you care about
15. ΗΤΤΩ ΥΠΕΡ ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ = Fight for the law, for what is right, for what is good, for what is useful
16. ΦΡΟΝΕΙ ΘΝΗΤΑ = Think as a mortal (or think as it is befitting of a man, and not as a god) – The commandment basically tries to tell us to be humble and to get off our high horse.
17. ΕΥ ΠΑΣΧΕ ΘΝΗΤΟΣ = Endure everything as a mortal ( nothing lasts forever, or it will not rain all the time – have hope )
18. ΑΡΧΕ ΣΕΑΥΤΟΥ = Control Yourself (exercise self-control)
19. ΘΥΜΟΥ ΚΡΑΤΕΙ = Withhold your anger (so as not to do or say things that you will regret later)
20. ΟΜΙΛΕΙ ΠΡΑΩΣ = Speak with gentleness and kindness
21. ΗΔΟΝΗΣ ΚΡΑΤΕΙΝ = Be moderate (be moderate in terms of pleasures)
22. ΓΛΩΤΤΑΝ ΙΣΧΕ = Hold your tongue (see also commandment 19)
23. ΓΛΥΤΤΗΣ ΑΡΧΕ = Exercise control over your tongue (see also commandment 20)
24. ΜΗ ΘΡΑΣΥΝΟΥ = Do not be impudent
25. ΑΡΡΗΤΑ ΜΗ ΛΕΓΕ = Do not reveal secrets (that have been entrusted to you)
26. ΛΕΓΕ ΕΙΔΩΣ = To speak what we know (keep your opinion to yourself of things you do not know nor understand)
27. ΟΦΘΑΛΜΟΥ ΚΡΑΤΕΙ = Control what you see (it tells us to avoid staring at evil or corrupting things – which in turn will lead to our own corruption)
28. ΠΙΝΩΝ ΑΡΜΟΖΕΣ = When drinking, be restrained (in today’s terms: do not get drunk – otherwise, you will not be able to follow commandment 18)
29. ΑΚΟΥΣΑΣ ΝΟΕΙ = Comprehend after you listen (some esoteric scholars propose an additional explanation/translation: to perceive things with the eyes of your mind)
30. ΦΡΟΝΗΣΙΝ ΑΣΚΕΙ = Cultivate your thoughts and mind (because thoughts give rise to feelings and feelings are followed by actions; hence, cultivate good/pure thoughts)
31. ΜΕΛΕΤΕΙ ΤΟ ΠΑΝ = Study everything ( research everything and keep an open mind)
32. ΒΟΥΛΕΥΟΥ ΧΡΟΝΩ = To think of useful thoughts/ideas (meaning: to occupy your thoughts with useful ideas and do not waste time on nonsense)
33. ΓΝΟΥΣ ΠΡΑΤΤΕ = To act with awareness (to be aware of what you do and to know the consequences)
34. ΠΑΣΙ ΔΙΑΛΕΓΟΥ = To converse with all ( be open to talk to everyone and do not shout out people when conversing – have some tact)
35. ΑΚΟΥΕ ΠΑΝΤΑ = Listen to everything and everyone
36. ΑΚΟΥΩΝ ΟΡΑ = When you hear you see ( when you listen to others (or when you listen to what all sides have to say) you can form a clear idea of things)
37. ΔΟΞΑΝ ΔΙΩΚΕ = Pursue glory (some also suggest the following explanation: seek supplementary ideas that others have to offer)
38. ΔΟΞΑΝ ΜΗ ΛΕΙΠΕ = Do not underestimate glory ( do not underestimate the power of ambition; or the ambitions that others may have and what they are willing to do to accomplish them)
39. ΚΑΛΟΝ ΤΟ ΛΕΓΕ = Speak the truth, speak objective, speak fair (or unbiased)
40. ΕΥΛΟΓΕΙ ΠΑΝΤΑΣ = Say only good things about everyone (Praise everyone)
41. ΟΣΙΑ ΚΡΙΝΕ = Judge based on saintliness ( your judgement should be based on virtue)
42. ΕΥΓΕΝΕΙΑΝ ΑΣΚΕΙ = Be kind (to exercise kindness and to have a kind soul)
43. ΦΙΛΟΦΡΟΝΕΙ ΠΑΣΙΝ = Treat everyone with kindness and love
44. ΕΥΠΡΟΣΗΓΟΡΟΣ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Be consolatory (Give comfort)
45. ΕΥΦΗΜΟΣ ΙΣΘΙ = Have a good reputation (Having a good name, or reputation, will open many doors for you)
46. ΕΥΦΗΜΙΑΝ ΑΣΚΕΙ = Make use of your good reputation (so as to affect circumstances for the greater good)
47. ΦΥΛΑΚΗΝ ΠΡΟΣΕΧΕ = Be vigilant
48. ΟΜΟΙΟΙΣ ΧΡΩ = Associate with the likes of you (For instance, if you are a judge do not hang out with criminals)
49. ΟΡΑ ΤΟ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ = Look at the future ( be provident about future circumstances)
50. ΥΒΡΙΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate hubris
51. ΕΥΧΟΥ ΔΥΝΑΤΑ = Wish loud (when you wish for something, do it with all of your soul’s strength)
52. ΧΡΗΣΜΟΥΣ ΘΑΥΜΑΣΕ = Respect the oracle ( respect the revelations given to you by the oracle; through whom god speaks to you – the Oracle of Delphi)
53. ΦΙΛΟΙΣ ΒΟΗΘΕΙ = Help your friends ( help your friends, or the ones you love, when in need)
54. ΦΙΛΙΑΝ ΑΓΑΠΑ = Love friendship ( it refers to the bond of friendship)
55. ΦΙΛΟΙΣ ΕΥΝΟΕΙ = Favor your friends (in other terms: support your friends)
56. ΦΙΛΙΑΝ ΦΥΛΑΤΤΕ = Preserve (protect) your friendship
57. ΦΙΛΩ ΧΑΡΙΖΟΥ = Be always there for your friends if they need you
58. ΝΕΩΤΕΡΟΝ ΔΙΔΑΣΚΕ = Teach (educate) the younger ones (convey knowledge to the younger generation)
59. ΥΙΟΥΣ ΠΑΙΔΕΥΕ = Teach, and educate, your children
60. ΣΟΦΙΑΝ ΖΗΤΕΙ = Seek wisdom (be an acquaintance of wisdom)
61. ΜΑΝΘΑΝΩΝ ΜΗ ΚΑΜΝΕ = Never get tired of learning (in the sense of continuous self-education, continuous expansion of your knowledge and your wisdom)
62. ΓΝΩΘΙ ΜΑΘΩΝ = Know after you learn (after you have received your education; as well as you are able to know after you have accumulated experiences)
63. ΣΟΦΟΙΣ ΧΡΩ = Associate with wise people and make use of their wisdom
64. ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΟΣ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Become a philosopher (a friend of wisdom)
65. ΣΑΥΤΟΝ ΙΣΘΙ = Never lose yourself (always be yourself, do not pretend of being someone else)
66. ΓΝΩΘΙ ΣΑΥΤΟΝ = Know Thyself (Know yourself, attain self-awareness)
67. ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΤΕΧΟΥ = Stay focused on your education and endure its adversities
68. ΗΘΟΣ ΔΟΚΙΜΑΖΕ = Commend Ethos ( praise moral values)
69. ΤΕΧΝΗ ΧΡΩ = Exercise and make use of your craft (or skills)
70. ΕΥΕΡΓΕΣΙΑΣ ΤΙΜΑ = Honor and acknowledge benedictions given to you
71. ΑΓΑΘΟΥΣ ΤΙΜΑ = Honor the good people (honor the good deeds)
72. ΕΠΑΙΝΕΙ ΑΡΕΤΗΝ = Praise virtue
73. ΤΥΧΗΝ ΝΟΜΙΖΕ = Have in mind the future’s uncertainty (and be prepared for it)
74. ΤΥΧΗ ΜΗ ΠΙΣΤΕΥΕ = Do not believe/trust in luck (especially gambling) – and do not become a fortune hunter
75. ΤΥΧΗΝ ΣΤΕΡΓΕ = Accept (or embrace) your luck (in this case, your destiny)
76. ΕΓΓΥΗΝ ΦΕΥΓΕ = Avoid pledging for someone or something
77. ΧΑΡΙΝ ΕΚΤΕΛΕΙ = Do favors (as long as it does not harm you)
78. ΕΥΤΥΧΙΑΝ ΕΥΧΟΥ = Wish for happiness
79. ΟΝΕΙΔΟΣ ΕΧΘΑΙΡΕ = Be alienated to derision (scorn or mockery)
80. ΥΒΡΙΝ ΑΜΥΝΟΥ = Protect yourself from hubris
81. ΛΕΓΕ ΠΡΑΤΤΕ ΔΙΚΑΙΑ = Speak, Act just ( All your actions should be just and fair)
82. ΚΡΙΝΕ ΔΙΚΑΙΑ = Judge fair (your judgement should be fair, objective and just)
83. ΑΔΙΚΕΙΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate injustice and wrongdoings
84. ΚΡΙΤΗΝ ΓΝΩΘΙ = Know your judge (if somebody is criticizing you – know if that person, and hence his criticism, is worth considering or not)
85. ΑΔΩΡΟΔΟΚΗΤΟΣ ΔΙΚΑΖΕ = Judge without bribery (do not judge by accepting briberies and hence becoming corrupt)
86. ΑΙΤΙΩ ΠΑΡΟΝΤΑ = Justify everything that occurs to you ( be able to validate your circumstances)
87. ΥΙΟΙΣ ΜΗ ΚΑΤΑΘΑΡΡΕΙ = Do not depress your children (by criticizing them, yelling at them etc.)
88. ΚΟΙΝΟΣ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Be social
89. ΑΠΟΚΡΙΝΟΥ ΕΝ ΚΑΙΡΩ = Respond in due time (at the appropriate time)
90. ΠΡΑΤΤΕ ΑΜΕΤΑΝΟΗΤΩΣ = Act with certainty (when you decide to act, act without doubts)
91. ΕΛΠΙΔΑ ΑΙΝΕΙ = Praise hope (meaning: do not lose hope)
92. ΤΩ ΒΙΩ ΜΑΧΟΥ = Fight for your life (in the sense of not giving up on life’s hardships)
93. ΑΤΥΧΟΥΝΤΙ ΣΥΝΑΧΘΟΥ = Sympathize for the unfortunate ones
94. ΧΡΟΝΟΥ ΦΕΙΔΟΥ = Take advantage of time (do not waste time – be productive)
95. ΠΕΡΑΣ ΕΠΙΤΕΛΕΙ ΜΗ ΑΠΟΔΕΙΛΙΩΝ = Do not be hesitant to finish what you started (when you start something, finish it with certainty)
96. ΕΠΙΤΕΛΕΙ ΣΥΝΤΟΜΩΣ = Do not postpone (or Act without delaying; similar with your payments or debts: pay in time)
97. ΚΑΙΡΟΝ ΠΡΟΣΔΕΧΟΥ = Accept time (in terms of timing and opportunities; find the right timing to act or realize the time to act)
98. ΓΗΡΑΣ ΠΡΟΣΔΕΧΟΥ = Accept old age (accept the fact of growing old)
99. ΑΜΑΡΤΑΝΩΝ ΜΕΤΑΝΟΕΙ = Repent for your sins or wrongdoings
100. ΕΡΙΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate disputes ( do not favor disputes but peaceful solutions)
101. ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑΝ ΔΙΩΚΕ = Seek concord (peace, harmony, agreement)
102. ΒΙΑΣ ΜΗ ΕΧΟΥ = Avoid being violent
103. ΒΙΑΝ ΜΗΔΕΝ ΠΡΑΤΤΕΙΝ = Do not do things through violence (or by force)
104. ΝΟΜΩ ΠΕΙΘΟΥ = Be lawful
105. ΤΟ ΚΡΑΤΟΥΝ ΦΟΒΟΥ = Fear the superior or the ruler (respect the government)
106. ΘΝΗΣΚΕ ΥΠΕΡ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟΣ = Die for your country (fight, and die if needed, in order to protect your country)
107. ΕΧΘΡΟΥΣ ΑΜΥΝΟΥ = Protect yourself from your enemies
108. ΕΠΙ ΡΩΜΗ ΜΗ ΚΑΥΧΩ = Do not boast about your strength (be it physical, financial, and so forth –, be humble)
109. ΜΗ ΑΡΧΕ ΥΒΡΙΖΕΙΝ = Do not lead with arrogance (do not be conceited)
110. ΛΑΒΩΝ ΑΠΟΔΟΣ = When you receive, give ( when someone supports you, return the favor)
111. ΕΥΓΝΩΜΩΝ ΓΙΝΟΥ = Be grateful
112. ΠΡΟΝΟΙΑΝ ΤΙΜΑ = Appreciate the help and support, when it is given, and do not be ungrateful
113. ΥΦΟΡΩ ΜΗΔΕΝΑ = Do not be suspicious of anyone (when you first meet someone do not let suspiciousness and false emotions cloud your judgement)
114. ΑΛΛΟΤΡΙΩΝ ΑΠΕΧΟΥ = Remain absent, or distant, to vices and intrigues
115. ΨΕΓΕ ΜΗΔΕΝΑ = Do not blame, do not badmouth, and do not criticize anyone
116. ΔΙΑΒΟΛΗΝ ΜΙΣEI = Hate the act of slander
117. ΦΘΟΝΕΙ ΜΗΔΕΝΙ = Do not envy nor be jealous of anyone
118. ΑΠΕΧΘΕΙΑΝ ΦΕΥΓΕ = Avoid any type of abomination (or evil)
119. ΕΧΘΡΑΣ ΔΙΑΛΥΕ = Break any hostilities ( whenever you witness hostilities be the one to stop them)
120. ΚΑΚΙΑΝ ΜΙΣΕΙ = Hate (and avoid) malevolence
121. ΚΑΚΙΑΣ ΑΠΕΧΟΥ = Be absent of evil (do not be evil)
122. ΔΟΛΟΝ ΦΟΒΟΥ = Be afraid of intrigues and deceptions (be careful – mindful of them)
123. ΑΠΟΝΤΙ ΜΗ ΜΑΧΟΥ = Do not badmouth, or criticize, someone who is absent (since that person cannot defend himself while being absent)
124. ΠΛΟΥΤΕΙ ΔΙΚΑΙΩΣ = Accumulate wealth through just means
125. ΔΙΚΑΙΩΣ ΚΤΩ = Accumulate wealth through lawful means
126. ΠΟΝΕΙ ΜΕΤ’ ΕΥΚΛΕΙΑΣ = Your labor should be just (see also the above 2 commandments)
127. ΠΛΟΥΤΩ ΑΠΟΣΤΕΙ = Distance yourself from wealth (money is not your god or do not allow material riches to corrupt your soul)
128. ΧΡΩ ΧΡΗΜΑΣΙ = Use your money or make use of your money (use your money wisely so as to increase your wealth – see also commandments 124 and 125)
129. ΔΑΠΑΝΩΝ ΑΡΧΟΥ = Control your expenses ( spend money wisely see commandment 128)
130. ΕΧΩΝ ΧΑΡΙΖΟΥ = When you have, you should give
131. ΧΑΡΙΖΟΥ ΕΥΛΑΒΩΣ = Give away wisely and rationally (donate wisely)
132. ΚΤΩΜΕΝΟΣ ΗΔΟΥ = Enjoy what you acquire ( be happy with what you are able to accomplish, step-by-step, and never be greedy)
133. ΕΡΓΑΖΟΥ ΚΤΗΤΑ = Work hard to obtain things worth acquiring
134. ΜΕΤΡΟΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΝ = Moderation is best (everything that is in a state of moderation is good ; balanced – which leads us to the next commandment)
135. ΜΗΔΕΝ ΑΓΑΝ = Nothing in excess
136. ΕΥΣΕΒΕΙΑΝ ΦΥΛΑΤΤΕ = Be pious (devout, sincere etc.)
137. ΑΙΣΧΥΝΗΝ ΣΕΒΟΥ = Be respectful with a sense of shame (Have a sense of shame – see commandment 136)
138. ΚΙΝΔΥΝΕΥΕ ΦΡΟΝΥΜΩΣ = Venture into danger prudently (or when you have to take risks, be prudent)
139. ΜΗ ΕΠΙ ΠΑΝΤΙ ΛΥΠΟΥ = Do not feel sorrow for everything (… try to be happy in your life)
140. ΑΛΥΠΩΣ ΒΙΟΥ = Aim to live your life with no regrets
141. ΤΕΛΕΥΤΩΝ ΑΛΥΠΟΣ = Die with no grief (if you are to die, make sure that you have no regrets)
142. ΙΔΙΑ ΦΥΛΑΤΤΕ = Protect what is yours
143. ΤΟ ΣΥΜΦΕΡΟΝ ΘΗΡΩ = Aim for goals that are best for you and bring about happiness
144. ΣΕΑΥΤΟΝ ΕΥ ΠΟΙΕΙ = Do what is best for you (similar to commandment 143)
145. ΠΡΟΓΟΝΟΥΣ ΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΥ = Respect (and honor) your ancestors (some could add: … by adding flowers to their graves BUT the accurate meaning of the commandment is: to honor your forefathers)
146. ΕΠΙ ΝΕΚΡΩ ΜΗ ΓΕΛΑ = Do not make fun of the dead (As in commandment 145, respect the deceased)
147. ΕΠΑΓΓΕΛΟΥ ΜΗΔΕΝΙ = Do not order anyone (the essence of this commandment refers to the following esoteric rule: do not intervene with anyone’s free will –respect peoples’ free will, do not force them to do things they do not want to do).
As we conclude our journey through the timeless wisdom of ancient Greek maxims, we hope you’ve been inspired to incorporate the wisdom of the ancients into your daily life.
From the mystical mountains of Delphi to the hustle and bustle of modern daily life, these maxims have been guiding us towards a path of success, happiness, and fulfillment for centuries.
By applying these principles to your own life, you can tap into the collective wisdom of the ancient Greeks and unlock a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and contentment.
As you embark on your own journey of self-discovery and personal growth, remember to explore our blog for more insights and guidance on how to live a life that’s truly grounded in the wisdom of the ages.
Here you may find more on how the Delphic Maxims can help you on your journey for self-discovery.