Hippias of Elis Quotes
Hippias of Elis was a Greek sophist of the late fifth century BC and one of the most colorful intellectuals of the age of Socrates. He boasted of a complete polymathic competence in mathematics, astronomy, music, grammar, history, and the practical arts and is said to have appeared at the Olympic games wearing only garments and ornaments he had made with his own hands. The quotes below are attributed to Hippias of Elis, organized by topic.
Hippias of Elis on Freedom
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Attributed to Hippias of Elis:
“A free person should know how to do everything for themselves.”
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Attributed to Hippias of Elis:
“Custom is a tyrant over those who do not examine it.”
Hippias of Elis on Knowledge
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Attributed to Hippias of Elis:
“Knowledge is the wealth no fortune can take away.”
Hippias of Elis on Nature
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Attributed to Hippias of Elis:
“By nature, the wise are kindred to one another.”
Hippias of Elis on Virtue
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Attributed to Hippias of Elis:
“I make everything I wear with my own hands.”