Hesiod was one of the first great Greek poets, living during the 8th Century BCE: the same time period as Homer. His two classics are The Theogony and Works and Days. The Theogony is an essential work of its time. It is one of the first examples of a collection of organized, well put-together stories regarding Greek Mythology. Hesiod gives biographies of the gods and goddesses in it. Theogony functioned as an all-encompassing book on religious matters for Ancient Greeks. Works and Days is routinely referred to as one of history's first books on economics. Because of his humble beginnings, Hesiod was always concerned with work and efficient use of scarce items. He cites that the gods favor those who work hard and do not idle. Hesiod's theory is simple and often repeated in other cultures: if one works hard and tries his best, his goodwill and effort will usually bring him success and happiness.
