Seven Sages Series: the wisdom of Cleobulus of Lindos

Cleobulus, or Kleoboulos (Κλεόβουλος) was a native of Lindus, and the son of Evagoras. He studied philosophy in Egypt; and had a daughter named Cleobulina, who used to compose enigmas in hexameter verse, that were said to be of no less significance than his own. It is said that he restored the temple of Athena which had been built by Danaus. He used to compose songs and sayings in verse to the number of three thousand lines. Some claimed that he was a descendant of Hēraklēs.

Clement of Alexandria calls Cleobulus 'king of the Lindians', and Plutarch speaks of him as the tyrant. Whatever the case, the city state of Lindos, which also governed much of it's neighbouring area, reached it's peak in 6th century BC, with him as its governor. At this time, under the reign of Kleoboulos life was very much improved and Lindos became a wealthy and succesful town.

He was known as 'The Wise', and there are several sayings attributed to him. These are the ones the ancient writers tell us were stated by him at some point in time:

"Ignorance and talkativeness bear the chief sway among men."
"Cherish not a thought."
"Do not be fickle, or ungrateful."
"Be fond of hearing rather than of talking."
"Be fond of learning rather than unwilling to learn."
"Seek virtue and eschew vice."
"Be superior to pleasure."
"Instruct one's children."
"Be ready for reconciliation after quarrels."
"Avoid injustice."
"Do nothing by force."
"Moderation is the best thing."

He is said to have lived to the age of seventy, and to have been greatly distinguished, for strength and beauty of person. The tomb of Kleoboulos--he's not actually buried there, but the vieuw is alledgedly beautiful--stands at the Northern tip of Lindos bay just past the remains of a disused windmill.