Aelius Aristides
Publius Aelius Aristides Theodorus (Ancient Greek: Πόπλιος Αἴλιος Ἀριστείδης Θεόδωρος; 117–181 AD) was a Greek orator and author considered to be a prime example as a member of the Second Sophistic, a group of celebrated and highly influential orators who flourished from the reign of Nero until c. 230 AD.
Quotes
[edit]- Neither walls, theatres, porches, nor senseless equipage, make States; but men who are able to rely upon themselves.
- Vol. 1 (ed. Samuel Jebb, 1722), translated by Arthur W. Austin, The Woman and the Queen: A Ballad, and Other Specimens of Verse (Cambridge: John Wilson and Son, 1875) p. 90
- By Themistocles alone, or with very few others, does this saying appear to be approved, which, though Alcaeus formerly had produced, many afterwards claimed: "Not stones, nor wood, nor the art of artisans, make a State; but where men are who know how to take care of themselves, there are cities and walls."
- Vol. 2 (ed. Samuel Jebb, 1730), translated by Arthur W. Austin, The Woman and the Queen, &c. (1875) p. 90. Reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 8th ed. (1883) p. 373, note. Austin also translated the passage into verse:
- Nor porches, theatres, nor stately halls,
Nor senseless equipage, nor lofty walls,
Nor towers of wood or stone, nor workmen's arts,
Compose a State; but men with daring hearts,
Who on themselves rely to meet all calls,
Compose a State,—it needs not other walls!
- Nor porches, theatres, nor stately halls,
- Compare: "An Ode in Imitation of Alcæus" (trans. William Jones, 1781)
- Vol. 2 (ed. Samuel Jebb, 1730), translated by Arthur W. Austin, The Woman and the Queen, &c. (1875) p. 90. Reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 8th ed. (1883) p. 373, note. Austin also translated the passage into verse:
