Sunday, July 26, 2009

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)

2 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

Jared Calaway said...

Yes, I do. Thank you for your email.