Definition: Pittacus of Mytilene in Lesbos (c.650-570 B.C.) is renowned as one of the 7 sages and for being a statesman who retired to a quiet life after a term of 10 years as dictator. Pittacus led the Mytileneans in battle against Athens for the possession of Sigeum.
Alcaeus mentions his enemy Pittacus, former comrades-in-arms, in his poetry.
Sources:
- "Pittacus" The Concise Oxford Companion to Classical Literature. Ed. M.C. Howatson and Ian Chilvers. Oxford University Press, 1996
Examples:
Pittacus is counted as one of the 7 sages. One of his sayings is: "It is better to pardon now than to repent later. Mercy is better than vengeance."
Courtesy of translator Giles Laurén, author of The Stoic's Bible.
