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Honor foresight

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Πρόνοιαν τίμα

Honor foresight, prepare early, anticipate the consequences of your actions, and stay cautious, rather than acting out of impulse.

This Maxim invites you to honor foresight as a basic virtue: to prepare early, to anticipate the consequences of your actions, and to remain cautious, rather than acting on impulse. This principle promotes a mindful life and a long-term horizon, avoiding hasty mistakes and cultivating trust in yourself and others.

The Philosopher

Bias

Greek Philosopher

(600-530 B.C.)

Bias, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity, lived in Priene in Ionia, during the 6th century BC. The son of Teutamus, Bias was a fervent supporter of his homeland and he is recognized for his unusually strong sense of justice.

Defence of the Unjustly Accused

In the courts, Bias advocated for free, defending unjustly accused citizens, with rare legal prowess. His fame flourished, around 570 BC, a time when Lydia was under the reign of Alyattes and Croesus.

Recognition of Wisdom

A legend states that when the Athenians found a bronze tripod inscribed with: “to the wisest,” they decided to send it to Bias, considering him the wisest of his time. However, when informed, Bias rejected the gift, claiming that only Apollo (the God of ancient Greece) is truly wise.

Teaching and Maxims

Bias’s teachings come to us through maxims, that reflect his deep understanding of life and society. Among these, his view stands out that the ideal democracy is one in which everyone respects the law, as if it were a tyrant, an idea that influenced the political system of Athens.

Legacy and Honor

His compatriots honoured his wisdom and contributions, not only during his lifetime, but also after his death, by erecting a monument in his honour. Bias, who served justice selflessly and modestly, passed away at a great age while defending a fellow citizen in court, leaving behind an admirable legacy of wisdom and humanity.

Further Material

The Future Isn’t What It Used to Be: Here’s How Strategic Foresight Can Help

The article discusses the importance of strategic foresight in addressing challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing world. It emphasizes that foresight is essential for organizations and individuals to prepare for the future, as many CEOs believe that their companies may not be economically viable in the coming decade without transformation.
https://www.apf.org/post/the-future-isn-t-what-it-used-to-be-here-s-how-strategic-foresight-can-help
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Why Strategic Foresight Ensures Your Organization Is Ready for the Future

The article arguing that strategic foresight helps organizations anticipate change, explore multiple future scenarios, and build resilient strategies.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/strategic-foresight-future-ready-organizations-wef/#:~:text=%2A%20Governments%2C%20businesses%20and%20non,to%20navigate%20the%20future%20proactively
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

How Thinking About the Future Makes Life More Meaningful

The article discusses the challenges people face in keeping promises and explores the psychological factors that contribute to promise-breaking behavior. It highlights the complexity of human nature and the various reasons behind our inability to consistently fulfill commitments.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_thinking_about_the_future_makes_life_more_meaningful#:~:text=How%20Thinking%20About%20the%20Future,Makes%20Life%20More%20Meaningful
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

The Art of Foresight: Preparing for a Changing World

This article explores various techniques used in futuring and the importance of rational, empirical, and scientific approaches to anticipate and assess future events. It discusses methods such as scanning and trend analysis and provides an example of trend analysis related to the increase in the elderly population. The article emphasizes the value of foresight in preparing for a changing world.
https://thesystemsthinker.com/the-art-of-foresight-preparing-for-a-changing-world/
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

The futility of plans and the importance of foresight

The article highlights the idea that while plans may often fail, the act of planning provides valuable foresight to prepare for unexpected events. It discusses the importance of planning and how it can lead to better outcomes, even when plans don’t go as expected. The article draws on the wisdom of figures like Dwight Eisenhower and their emphasis on planning and foresight.
https://www.scmr.com/article/the_futility_of_plans_and_the_importance_of_foresight
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Frequently Asked Questions

Delphic Maxims and the Ancient sages

What are the Delphic Maxims?

These are succinct phrases, just a few words, aimed at guiding individuals in their daily lives, you can learn more here.

Who are the Seven Ancient Sages?

The seven ancient sages were: Thales of Miletus, Pittacus of Mytilene, Bias of Priene, Solon of Athens, Cleobulus of Rhodes, Periander of Corinth, and Chilon of Sparta. More details can be found here.

Are the Delphic Maxims part of a religion?

The Delphic Maxims are a spiritual creation of the seven ancient sages, given as a precious legacy to the Oracle of Delphi. Traditionally, these maxims were directly given by Apollo (Greek ancient God) to the Oracle of Delphi.

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What are the Three Foremost Maxims?

These are the three most important Delphic Maxims, that were located on a column in the pronaos, in order to be visible of every visitor, at once! You can learn more here.

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Further Material

How are articles linked to the Delphic Maxims?

Articles are chosen based on their relevance to the respective Delphic Maxim, not necessarily referring directly to them, demonstrating the timelessness and cultural depth of the Maxims.

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Blog

Who writes the articles on our blog?

Articles on the Delphic Maxims blog are written by team members and volunteers, you can also contribute by clicking here.

What topics do our blog articles cover?

The theme of the articles is related to a Delphic Maxim or its interpretation, including any issues or events that lead to self-improvement, creativity, and inspiration for the audience, providing answers and positive reflections on personal development.

I have a question that wasn’t answered above. How can I contact someone?

You can reach us through our contact form or send an email to: info@delphicmaxims.org.