The Seven Sages — Who Was the Wisest?
Long before Socrates and Plato, Greeks told stories about seven people famous for wisdom.
The Mysterious Prize
In one famous legend, a valuable golden tripod was to be given to “the wisest man.” It reached Thales, who refused it and named another man wiser. The prize passed from Sage to Sage until, in versions of the story, it was dedicated to Apollo.
Who Were the Seven?
A traditional list names Thales, Solon, Chilon, Bias, Cleobulus, Pittacus, and Periander. Ancient writers sometimes used different names, so even the list became part of the tradition.
Words to Remember
The Sages became associated with memorable sayings such as “Know yourself” and “Nothing in excess.”
History or Legend?
The Sages were linked to real people of the seventh and sixth centuries BCE, but stories about their meetings, sayings, and the travelling tripod were retold for generations. History and legend became intertwined.
From Voices of the Past: Origins
The ancient question still feels modern: What does it really mean to be wise?