Xenophon

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. The gods give nothing good or fine without toil and care.

   In the story of Heracles at the crossroads, Virtue tells the young hero she will not deceive him: of all good and beautiful things, the gods grant none to people without effort and attention. The road with no work leads nowhere worth going.

   Memorabilia 2.1.28 (Prodicus' Choice of Heracles), our translation from the Greek

2. The shortest road to seeming good is being good.

   Socrates tells Critobulus that the shortest, safest and finest way to be thought good at something is to try to become good at it. Faking takes constant effort. The real thing maintains itself.

   Memorabilia 2.6.39, our translation from the Greek

3. Hunger was his sauce.

   Xenophon says Socrates ate only as much as he could eat with pleasure and came to meals so ready that his appetite was his relish. The best seasoning is a day of hard work. Earn your dinner.

   Memorabilia 1.3.5, our translation from the Greek

4. Numbers and strength don't win wars. Stronger souls do.

   Stranded deep in Persia after their generals were murdered, Xenophon tells the Greek officers that neither numbers nor strength wins victories, but whichever side goes at the enemy with stronger spirits. Morale is a weapon. Raise it first.

   Anabasis 3.1.42, our translation from the Greek

5. Stop thinking about what you'll suffer. Think about what you'll do.

   Xenophon tells the officers that if someone turns the soldiers' minds from what they will suffer to what they will do, they will be in much better heart. Fear lives in the passive voice. Switch to the active.

   Anabasis 3.1.41, our translation from the Greek