A compilation of ancient wisdom sourced from ancient and medieval philosophers.

Words of wisdom and advice for leading a good life have long been part of society, handed down from one generation to the next. Many of these wise observations originated from the philosophers of Ancient Greece and Rome and went on to circulate widely among the Arabic-speaking communities of the Middle Ages, who added new sayings of their own. Wisdom from the Ancients features over four hundred sayings, riddles, and aphorisms from the ancient and medieval world in English translation. Grouped by themes including medicine, food, politics, and nature, they derive from a range of philosophers and physicians, from Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato to al-Kindī, Ibn Hindū, and al-Rāzī.

Packed with timeless advice to contemplate, share, and enjoy, this entertaining book offers readers a gateway to ancient and medieval cultures whose musings on philosophy, health, and life are just as authoritative and relevant today.

Simon Swain is professor of Classics and Greco-Arabic at the University of Warwick. Emilie Savage-Smith was professor of the history of Islamic science at the University of Oxford.