Prophecy and Common Sense

Euripides, the playwright who was critical of traditional conceptions of the gods and much traditional religious practice--if you read many of his plays in a row, this aspect becomes very clear--says this in his play Helen. In a passage accusing prophets of merely spouting lies in order to make money, he writes in line 757:

γνώμη δ᾽ ἀρίστη μάντις ἥ τ᾽ εὐβουλία.

The best prophet is common sense, our native wit.

(Trans. Lattimore)

Comments

EVD graphics said…
Great quote by Euripides. Also, I don't know if you still use your account jcc2102@columbia.edu , but I advise you that I sent an e-mail there. Regards.

A·M·E,
Funereal
Jaeda Calaway said…
Yes, I do. Thank you for your email.

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