'Eunomia' by Solon

Solon (Σόλων) was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet, who lived from 638 BC to 558 BC. He spent most of his adult life trying to legislate against political, economic, and moral decline in archaic Athens. His ideologies are often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy. As a statesman, Solon put principles before expediency. In a time when Athens was struggling under the burden of civil war, his reforms strove to bridge the gap between the rich an the poor. Solon's reforms were substantial, and took a lot of power away from the aristocracy. They gave every free man the hope that they could hold office one day, if they worked hard to reach the upper class. For those without political aspirations, Solon's reforms provided judicial safety.

Many sayings were attributed to Solon, but among his writings is the following piece of prose that I would like to share. It refers to the Goddesses Dysnomia and Eunomia. Dysnomia (Δυσνομία) is the daimon of lawlessness and poor civil constitution, daughter of Eris (Discord). She is a companion of Adikia (Injustice), Ate (Ruin) and Hybris (Violence). Eunomia (Εὐνομία), on the other hand, is the Goddess of good order and lawful conduct. She is associated with the internal stability of a state, including the enactment of good laws and the maintenance of civil order. She is the daughter of Themis, Good Order. So, to Solon's good words to live by.

'Eunomia' by Solon

 

These things my spirit bids me
 teach the men of Athens:
 that Dysnomia
 brings countless evils for the city,
 but Eunomia brings order
 and makes everything proper,
 by enfolding the unjust in fetters,
 smoothing those things that are rough,
 stopping greed,
 sentencing hybris to obscurity
 making the flowers of mischief to whither,
 and straightening crooked judgments.
 It calms the deeds of arrogance
 and stops the bilious anger of harsh strife.
 Under its control, all things are proper
 and prudence reigns human affairs