Hesiod

Date of Birth: Circa 750 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Circa 650 BCE

Biography

Hesiod was an ancient Greek poet generally thought to have been active between 750 and 650 BCE, around the same time as Homer. He is often considered the father of didactic poetry, best known for his works “Works and Days” and “Theogony.” “Works and Days” offers moral and practical advice, touching on themes of farming, ethics, and the human condition, while “Theogony” provides a genealogical account of the gods, establishing the foundation for Greek mythology. Hesiod is believed to have lived and worked in the Boeotian village of Ascra, and his writings have had a profound influence on both ancient and modern literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Hesiod

1. Hesiod claimed to have been inspired by the Muses on Mount Helicon, who bestowed upon him a laurel staff, symbolizing poetic authority.

2. His poem “Theogony” is one of the earliest sources of Greek mythology, detailing the origins and genealogies of the gods.

3. “Works and Days” includes one of the earliest recorded fables, “The Hawk and the Nightingale.”

4. Hesiod is often contrasted with Homer; while Homer’s works focus on heroics and epic adventures, Hesiod’s are more concerned with daily life and practical wisdom.

5. Hesiod’s influence extended beyond literature; his works were used as instructional texts in ancient Greek education.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hesiod

1. “Badness you can get easily, in quantity: the road is smooth, and lies close by. But in front of excellence the immortal gods have put sweat, and long and steep is the way to it.”

2. “He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but is courageous in carrying them out.”

3. “If you add a little to a little, and then do it again, soon that little shall be much.”

4. “Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor.”

5. “Do not let a flattering woman coax and wheedle you and deceive you; she is after your barn.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Given the historical period in which Hesiod lived, it is impossible to accurately determine his net worth in contemporary terms. However, his works have had an enduring legacy that is invaluable to Western literature and thought.