By J. Ray

Redstone Review

PINEWOOD SPRINGS – The golden age of ancient Greece is considered to be the fifth century B.C.  It produced many extraordinary men who continue to influence our modern world. Three of them were poet/playwrights whose immortal plays are still being performed world-wide after more than 2500 years.  Their names are Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Greek drama began before their time as part of religious festivals held in the honor of Dionysus, the popular god of wine and song. The large outdoor theaters where these celebrations were held can still be seen scattered throughout the Greco-Roman world.

In an age of few public entertainments, Greek drama rose to a high art. The plays became a collection of well-known tragedies and comedies based on characters in the many Greek myths. Medea, Odysseus, and Oedipus, as well as the various Greek gods, were all brought to life. The Greeks considered the religion, history, morality, and foibles of human nature revealed on stage absolutely essential for every citizen’s education. In Athens on drama-festival days, all businesses and schools were closed so that young, old, and even jailed prisoners could attend.

The above three playwrights were known for their classic tragedies. However, ribald sketches and biting social commentaries were also part of Greek theater and as popular with the audience then as they are today. Since prizes were given for the best plays, competition was fierce, especially between the contemporaries Sophocles and Euripides. Below are a few examples of wisdom from the ancient masters of Greek drama:

Aeschylus:  “Time brings all things to pass.”

“The wisest of the wise may err.”

“When a man is willing and eager, the gods join in.”

Sophocles : “The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.”

“To him who is in fear, everything rustles.”

“Ignorant men don’t know what good they hold in their hands

until they’ve flung it away.”

Euripides:   “Cleverness is not wisdom”

“Fortune truly helps those who are of good judgment.”

“Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other.”

“Leave no stone unturned.”

“One loyal friend is worth 10,000 relatives.”

“Among mortals, second thoughts are wisest.”

“It is not beauty but fine qualities, my girl, that keep a husband.”

J. Ray is a historian, free-lance writer and former teacher.  She lives in Longmont.

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