72. Anaxarchus of Abdêra

Ancilla to the Pre-Socratic Philosophers, by Kathleen Freeman, [1948], at sacred-texts.com

72. ANAXARCHUS OF ABDÊRA

Anaxarchus of Abdêra was in his prime about 340 B.C., and was active throughout the reign of Alexander.

He wrote a book On Monarchy.

1. Much learning can help much, but also can greatly harm him who has it. It helps the clever man, but harms him who readily utters every word in any company. One must know the measure of the right time, for this is the boundary of wisdom. Those who recite a saying outside the right time, even if their saying is wise, are reproached with folly, because they do not mix intelligence with wisdom.

2. (From the work 'On Monarchy'): It is hard to collect money, but harder still to keep it safely.