Bion of Borysthenes was a Greek philosopher known for his sharp wit and practical wisdom. His quotes cut through the noise, offering timeless insights on life, wealth, and human nature. Whether you’re looking for motivation or a fresh perspective, Bion’s words still resonate today.
Here’s a collection of his most powerful quotes, organized by theme for easy reading.
Life and Happiness
Bion believed happiness comes from within, not from external things. His thoughts on life are simple but profound.
🔹 “The road to Hades is easy to travel; at any rate, men pass away with their eyes shut.”
🔹 “Old age is the harbor of all ills.”
🔹 “It is better to have a little than to want much.”
🔹 “Wealth is the slave of a wise man and the master of a fool.”
Ever chased happiness in the wrong places? Bion reminds us that simplicity often brings the most joy.
Wisdom and Folly
Bion didn’t hold back when pointing out human foolishness. His words are blunt but true.
🔹 “Though boys throw stones at frogs in sport, the frogs do not die in sport, but in earnest.”
🔹 “The fool is like a dog that barks at every noise.”
🔹 “A miser is a man who lives poor so he can die rich.”
🔹 “Ignorance is the mother of all evils.”
Why do people act against their own best interests? Bion’s observations make us question our own choices.
Wealth and Greed
Bion saw money as a tool, not a goal. His views on wealth are still relevant today.
🔹 “Riches make more cowards than brave men.”
🔹 “Poverty is the mother of crime.”
🔹 “The love of money is the mother of all evils.”
🔹 “A rich man is either a rogue or the heir of a rogue.”
Do we work to live or live to work? Bion’s take on greed makes us rethink our priorities.
Friendship and Betrayal
Trust was a big theme for Bion. He knew how easily people could turn on each other.
🔹 “A friend is long sought, hardly found, and with difficulty kept.”
🔹 “The friendship of the wicked turns to fear.”
🔹 “Trust not a horse’s heels nor a dog’s tooth.”
🔹 “The envious man grows lean with the fatness of his neighbor.”
How many true friends do you really have? Bion’s words remind us to choose wisely.
Death and Time
Bion didn’t shy away from life’s hardest truths. His quotes on death are sobering but honest.
🔹 “All men are mortal, but not all men live.”
🔹 “The dead are only dead because they are forgotten.”
🔹 “Life is short, but the hours are long.”
🔹 “Do not fear death so much, but rather the inadequate life.”
Are we making the most of our time? Bion pushes us to live with purpose.
Power and Corruption
Bion saw how power could twist people. His warnings still apply today.
🔹 “A tyrant is a child of pride who drinks from the cup of his own shame.”
🔹 “The more power a man has, the more dangerous he is.”
🔹 “Kings are like stars—they rise and set.”
🔹 “No one is free who is a slave to his desires.”
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Bion knew this long before it became a famous saying.
Final Thoughts
Bion of Borysthenes wasn’t just a philosopher—he was a straight-talker. His quotes strip away illusions, leaving only raw truth. Whether it’s about money, friendship, or life itself, his words hit hard.
Which quote stuck with you the most? Drop it in the comments and share your thoughts!
📌 Want more wisdom? Check out our other quote collections from ancient thinkers like Diogenes and Epictetus.
