Periander

Periander of Corinth (died c. 585 BC) was the Second Tyrant of the Cypselid dynasty that ruled over Corinth. Periander's rule brought about a prosperous time in Corinth's history, as his administrative skill made Corinth one of the wealthiest city states in Greece. He is often considered one of the Seven Sages of Greece, men of the 6th century BC who were renowned for centuries for their wisdom.

Quotes

The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, by Diogenes Laërtius

• Practice does everything.
• Tranquility is a good thing.
• Rashness is dangerous.
• Gain is disgraceful.
• Democracy is better than tyranny.
• Pleasures are transitory, but honor is immortal.
• Be moderate when prosperous, but prudent when unfortunate.
• Be the same to your friends when they are prosperous, and when they are unfortunate.
• Whatever you agree to do, observe.—Do not divulge secrets.
• Punish not only those who do wrong, but those who intend to do so.
• Because to abdicate it voluntarily, and to have it taken from one, are both dangerous.
  • When asked why he assumed tyrannical power