But Varro wasn’t just about wheat and goats. His thoughts, immortalized in his quotes, roam far and wide across the landscape of the human condition. They delve into the nuances of courage, the architecture of societal constructs, knowledge and valor and truth. We hope you enjoy Varro’s quotes and philosophy contained within them.

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Vitruvius Quotes on Architecture and Design

“Wherefore the mere practical architect is not able to assign sufficient reasons for the forms he adopts; and the theoretic architect also fails, grasping the shadow instead of the substance.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Economy consists in a due and proper application of the means afforded according to the ability of the employer and the situation chosen; care being taken that the expenditure is prudently conducted.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Architecture is a science arising out of many other sciences, and adorned with much and varied learning by the help of which a judgment is formed of those works which are the result of other arts.”  ~  Vitruvius

“An easy approach to the walls must be provided against: indeed they should be surrounded by uneven ground, and the roads leading to the gates should be winding and turn to the left from the gates.”  ~  Vitruvius

“In setting out the walls of a city the choice of a healthy situation is of the first importance: it should be on high ground, neither subject to fogs nor rains; its aspects should be neither violently hot nor intensely cold, but temperate in both respects.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Care should be taken that all buildings are well lighted: in those of the country this point is easily accomplished, because the wall of a neighbour is not likely to interfere with the light.”  ~  Vitruvius

“The thickness of the walls should be sufficient for two armed men to pass each other with ease.”  ~  Vitruvius

“The lanes and streets of the city being set out, the choice of sites for the convenience and use of the state remains to be decided on; for sacred edifices, for the forum, and for other public buildings.”  ~  Vitruvius

“From the exterior face of the wall towers must be projected, from which an approaching enemy may be annoyed by weapons, from the embrasures of those towers, right and left.”  ~  Vitruvius

“For an object under the eye will appear very different from the same object placed above it; in an inclosed space, very different from the same in an open space.”  ~  Vitruvius

“The temple of Ceres should be in a solitary spot out of the city, to which the public are not necessarily led but for the purpose of sacrificing to her.”  ~  Vitruvius

Explore more quotes by Roman architects and historians across Wise Owl Quotes here: Tacitus quotes, Sallust quotes, Livy quotes and Boethius quotes.

Vitruvius Quotes on Achieving Excellence

“I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible.”  ~  Vitruvius

“I, therefore, O Caesar, do not publish this work, merely prefixing my name to a treatise which of right belongs to others, nor think of acquiring reputation by finding fault with the works of any one.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Perhaps, to the uninformed, it may appear unaccountable that a man should be able to retain in his memory such a variety of learning but the close alliance with each other, of the different branches of science, will explain the difficulty.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Since, therefore, individuals as well as the public are so indebted to these writers for the benefits they enjoy, I think them not only entitled to the honour of palms and crowns, but even to be numbered among the gods.”  ~  Vitruvius

“But I, Caesar, have not sought to amass wealth by the practice of my art, having been rather contented with a small fortune and reputation, than desirous of abundance accompanied by a want of reputation.”  ~  Vitruvius

“The ideal architect should be a man of letters, a skillful draftsman, a mathematician, familiar with historical studies, a diligent student of philosophy, acquainted with music, not ignorant of medicine, learned in the responses of jurisconsults, familiar with astronomy and astronomical calculations.”  ~  Vitruvius

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Understanding of Natural Elements and Their Influences

“Bodies which contain a greater proportion of water than is necessary to balance the other elements, are speedily corrupted, and lose their virtues and properties.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Wind is a floating wave of air, whose undulation continually varies.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Marble is not alike in all countries.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Quicksilver is used for many purposes; without it, neither silver nor brass can be properly gilt.”  ~  Vitruvius

“When it passes towards the east, the sun begins to have less effect upon it, and a thin line on the edge of its bright side emits its splendour towards the earth.”  ~  Vitruvius

Quotes by Vitruvius on Proportion and Harmony

“Music assists him in the use of harmonic and mathematical proportion.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Dimension regulated the general scale of the work, so that the parts may all tell and be effective.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by the dimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Harmony is an obscure and difficult musical science, but most difficult to those who are not acquainted with the Greek language because it is necessary to use many Greek words to which there are none corresponding in Latin.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Nothing requires the architect’s care more than the due proportions of buildings.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Consistency is found in that work whose whole and detail are suitable to the occasion. It arises from circumstance, custom, and nature.”  ~  Vitruvius

“Proportion is that agreeable harmony between the several parts of a building, which is the result of a just and regular agreement of them with each other; the height to the width, this to the length, and each of these to the whole.”  ~  Vitruvius

“If nature has composed the human body so that in its proportions the separate individual elements answer to the total form, then the Ancients seem to have had reason to decide that bringing their creations to full completion likewise required a correspondence between the measure of individual elements and the appearance of the work as a whole”  ~  Vitruvius

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What Are The Vitruvius Quotes All About?

Well, we’ve got a delightful assortment of quotes here, quite like a treasure trove of ancient wisdom. Pollio Vitruvius is a bit of a Renaissance man—before the Renaissance even was a thing. His thoughts take us on a journey through architecture, harmony, the elements, and philosophy. From “”architecture is a science arising out of many other sciences”” to “”music assists him in the use of harmonic and mathematical proportion,”” he’s waxing quite lyrical about his crafts. And what’s this? An ode to quicksilver (that’s mercury to you and me): “”without it, neither silver nor brass can be properly gilt.””

What Can We Learn From These Quotes?

On first glance, you might think, “”Well, I’m not an architect, why should I care about walls and roads winding to the left?”” But old Marcus is not merely providing us with a blueprint for a building; he’s

 hinting at life lessons here. Consider “”Consistency is found in that work whose whole and detail are suitable to the occasion.”” Think about it – isn’t that really about ensuring our actions align with our values? And how about “”Economy consists in a due and proper application of the means afforded according to the ability of the employer and the situation chosen.”” That’s budgeting advice if I’ve ever heard it.

How Can We Apply Vitruvius Wisdom In Our Own Lives?

So how do we channel our inner Pollio in our everyday lives? Well, when he says “”Dimension regulated the general scale of the work, so that the parts may all tell and be effective,”” we might think about how we prioritize our own tasks. Are we focusing on the right things to make our project, or dare I say life, effective? And here’s something to chew on: “”the ideal architect should be a man of letters, a skillful draftsman, a mathematician, familiar with historical studies… not ignorant of medicine, learned in the responses of jurisconsults, familiar with astronomy and astronomical calculations.”” Basically, Marcus is reminding us that being well-rounded is an asset. Dabble a bit, learn a bit, from all areas of life. Now, off you go and put on your architect’s cap!

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What’s the Sallustian philosophy? A blend of ethics, ambition, impermanence, personal growth, community. A quintet of life themes. Sallust quotes incorporate friendship, ethics, human nature, leadership and life and fortune.

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Best, Most Popular and Famous Quotes by Sallust

“Before you act, consider; when you have considered, tis fully time to act.”  ~  Sallust

“Necessity makes even the timid brave.”  ~  Sallust

“The fame that goes with wealth and beauty is fleeting and fragile intellectual superiority is a possession glorious and eternal.”  ~  Sallust

“Every man is the architect of his own fortune.”  ~  Sallust

“They envy the distinction I have won; let them therefore, envy my toils, my honesty, and the methods by which I gained it.”  ~  Sallust

Other illuminating quotes by Roman historians found on Wise Owl Quotes include quotes by Tacitus and Publilius Syrus, as well as Livy quotes and Boethius quotes.

Sallust Quotes on Life, Aging and Fortune

“The glory that goes with wealth is fleeting and fragile; virtue is a possession glorious and eternal.”  ~  Sallust

“Distinguished ancestors shed a powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either of their merits or of their demerits.”  ~  Sallust

“As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay.”  ~  Sallust

“Everything that rises sets, and everything that grows, grows old.”  ~  Sallust

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Sallust Quotes on Friendship and Community

“Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay.”  ~  Sallust

“By union the smallest states thrive. By discord the greatest are destroyed.”  ~  Sallust

“Small communities grow great through harmony, great ones fall to pieces through discord.”  ~  Sallust

“The firmest friendship is based on an identity of likes and dislikes.”  ~  Sallust

“To like and dislike the same things, this is what makes a solid friendship.”  ~  Sallust

Sallust Quotes on Ethics, Justice, and Morality

“No mortal man has ever served at the same time his passions and his best interests.”  ~  Sallust

“All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity.”  ~  Sallust

“It is better to use fair means and fail, than foul and conquer.”  ~  Sallust

“In my opinion it is less shameful for a king to be overcome by force of arms than by bribery.”  ~  Sallust

“All who consult on doubtful matters, should be void of hatred, friendship, anger, and pity.”  ~  Sallust

“A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means.”  ~  Sallust

“Every bad precedent originated as a justifiable measure.”  ~  Sallust

Sallust Quotes on Human Nature and Personal Growth

“In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art.”  ~  Sallust

“Those most moved to tears by every word of a preacher are generally weak and a rascal when the feelings evaporate.”  ~  Sallust

“He that will be angry for anything will be angry for nothing.”  ~  Sallust

“Think like a man of action, and act like a man of thought.”  ~  Sallust

“In my own case, who have spent my whole life in the practice of virtue, right conduct from habitual has become natural.”  ~  Sallust

“No man underestimates the wrongs he suffers; many take them more seriously than is right.”  ~  Sallust

“He only seems to me to live, and to make proper use of life, who sets himself some serious work to do, and seeks the credit of a task well and skillfully performed.”  ~  Sallust

“Do as much as possible, and talk of yourself as little as possible.”  ~  Sallust

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Sallust Quotes on Power, Ambition, and Leadership

“Just to stir things up seemed a great reward in itself.”  ~  Sallust

“The higher your station, the less your liberty.”  ~  Sallust

“Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.”  ~  Sallust

“In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defense.”  ~  Sallust

“Few men desire liberty; most men wish only for a just master.”  ~  Sallust

“Kings are more prone to mistrust the good than the bad; and they are always afraid of the virtues of others.”  ~  Sallust

“Most honorable are services rendered to the State; even if they do not go beyond words, they are not to be despised.”  ~  Sallust

“It is a law of human nature that in victory even the coward may boast of his prowess, while defeat injures the reputation even of the brave.”  ~  Sallust

“We employ the mind to rule, the body to serve.”  ~  Sallust

“Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and forgets the obligations of gratitude.”  ~  Sallust

“Neither soldiers nor money can defend a king but only friends won by good deeds, merit, and honesty.”  ~  Sallust

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What are the Sallust Quotes All About?

The Sallust’s compendium of quotes, they’re like a tour of the human condition. Five pit stops: Ethics and Justice; Ambition and Leadership; Impermanence; Personal Growth; Community. Picture it like this: a grand odyssey exploring ambition’s pitfalls (“”Ambition drove…””), life’s fleeting moments (“”Everything that rises…””), personal mastery (“”Every man is…””), community’s strength (“”By union…””). The quotes – a 360-degree view of being human.

What Can We Learn From These Quotes?

The lessons? Plenty. Picture Sallust as this life coach. Talks about power dynamics, ethics, human nature. Wants us to ponder: How are we deciding? Fair or foul? (“”It is better…””). Are we balanced emotionally? (“”He that will…””). Reminds us about life’s ephemeral nature. Urges us to be action-thinkers (“”Think like…””). Words to ponder, words to live by.

How Can We Apply This Wisdom In Our Own Lives?

Translating Sallust’s wisdom to everyday life, it’s about self-reflecting. Seeing our actions through the prism of his teachings. Ethics? Check. Ambition and leadership? Review. Appreciating the here and now? Yep. The Sallustian wisdom – a lighthouse, illuminating our path towards a more thoughtful existence. There it is.

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Livy, or Titus Livius if we’re being formal, lived from 59 BC to AD 17—right smack in the middle of Rome’s glorious heyday. He’s famous for something hefty called “”Ab Urbe Condita Libri,”” or if you’re not fluent in Latin, “”Books from the Foundation of the City.”” It’s a chronicle, a detailed one, of Rome’s history, from its mythical founding to Livy’s present day.

In this introduction, it’s not the grand historical narrative we’re after, but Livy’s philosophical nuggets. His words traverse human experiences, power, justice, fear, the whole deal. As we wade through these quotes on Wisdom, deception and betrayal, envy and ambition and fortune and fate, we’re basically connecting the dots of past wisdom to our present, maybe even future. And now, well, it’s showtime. Let’s see what Livy’s got to say.

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Best, Most Popular and Famous Quotes by Livy aka Titus Livius

“Toil and pleasure, dissimilar in nature, are nevertheless united by a certain natural bond.”  ~  Livy

“He will have true glory who despises it.”  ~  Livy

“The sun has not yet set for all time.”  ~  Livy

“From abundance springs satiety.”  ~  Livy

“The result showed that fortune helps the brave.”  ~  Livy

“It is easier to criticize than to correct our past errors.”  ~  Livy

“The populace is like the sea motionless in itself, but stirred by every wind, even the lightest breeze.”  ~  Livy

“Luck is of little moment to the great general, for it is under the control of his intellect and his judgment.”  ~  Livy

“We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them.”  ~  Livy

“The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see: and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings: fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid.”  ~  Livy

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”  ~  Livy

“It is pleasant, when the sea is high and the winds are dashing the waves about, to watch from the shores the struggles of another.”  ~  Livy

Find more fascinating quotes by Roman historians on our other posts: Tacitus quotes, Publilius Syrus quotes and Boethius quotes.

Livy Quotes on Wisdom and Reflection

“No law can possibly meet the convenience of every one: we must be satisfied if it be beneficial on the whole and to the majority.”  ~  Livy

“There is always more spirit in attack than in defence.”  ~  Livy

“Truth, they say, is but too often in difficulties, but is never finally suppressed.”  ~  Livy

“Many difficulties which nature throws in our way, may be smoothed away by the exercise of intelligence.”  ~  Livy

“There is nothing worse than being ashamed of parsimony or poverty.”  ~  Livy

“There are laws for peace as well as war.”  ~  Livy

“Men are slower to recognize blessings than misfortunes.”  ~  Livy

“Temerity is not always successful.”  ~  Livy

“In difficult and desperate cases, the boldest counsels are the safest.”  ~  Livy

“Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies’ resources, and minimized their own.”  ~  Livy

“This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.”  ~  Livy

“We can endure neither our vices nor the remedies for them.”  ~  Livy

“Resistance to criminal rashness comes better late than never.”  ~  Livy

“The troubles which have come upon us always seem more serious than those which are only threatening.”  ~  Livy

“All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does not hurry; haste is blind and improvident.”  ~  Livy

“It is easy at any moment to surrender a large fortune; to build one up is a difficult and an arduous task.”  ~  Livy

“They are more than men at the outset of their battles; at the end they are less than the women.”  ~  Livy

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Livy Quotes on Deception and Betrayal

“Men are only clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.”  ~  Livy

“It is better that a guilty man should not be brought to trial than that he should be acquitted.”  ~  Livy

“A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself.”  ~  Livy

“No crime can ever be defended on rational grounds.”  ~  Livy

“There is nothing that is more often clothed in an attractive garb than a false creed.”  ~  Livy

Livy Quotes on Envy and Ambition

“Favor and honor sometimes fall more fitly on those who do not desire them.”  ~  Livy

“The old Romans all wished to have a king over them because they had not yet tasted the sweetness of freedom.”  ~  Livy

“There is nothing man will not attempt when great enterprises hold out the promise of great rewards.”  ~  Livy

“Envy like fire always makes for the highest points.”  ~  Livy

Livy Quotes on Fortune and Fate

“Fortune blinds men when she does not wish them to withstand the violence of her onslaughts.”  ~  Livy

“Rome has grown since its humble beginnings that it is now overwhelmed by its own greatness.”  ~  Livy

“Woe to the conquered.”  ~  Livy

“Nowhere are our calculations more frequently upset than in war.”  ~  Livy

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What Are The Quotes All About?

We hope you have enjoyed these quotes by Livy… as you will have noticed reflect many different human experiences and traits including perseverance, wisdom, fear, ignorance, glory and luck. As a historian, Livy used his experience and perspective to explain humans innate desire of power and success and how we respond to defeat.

The duality of human nature is a recurring theme, with emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses inherent in all of us. Another recurring theme is the importance of understanding history and learning from the past.

This ranges from understanding the behaviour of society and the crowds (“”The populace is like the sea…””) and the brutal and unpredictable nature of war (“”Nowhere are our calculations more frequently upset than in war””).

What Can We Learn From These Quotes?

So, what can we learn from these quotes? Here are five take-home messages:

1.            Strive for wisdom and understanding instead of temporary glory or wealth.

2.            Livy stresses the benefit of learning from history – suggesting it offers us ideas to emulate and warnings to avoid.

3.            His quotes also stress the importance of courage, intellect and judgment – especially in uncertain and hard times.

4.            They remind us that our perception can be negatively influenced by ignorance or fear and that we should try our best to understand the true nature of the world around us.

5.            Finally, Livy suggests that we should aim for self-improvement (haven’t we all got work to do?) and try to get a clearer sense of our actions and their consequences – both to ourselves and those around us.

Livy emphasizes that we should take personal responsibility to ensure our own growth. He believed that every setback could be transformed into an opportunity if we strive for greatness and make the most of it. Courage is essential in this situation, as it will provide us with the strength and motivation to overcome difficulties and better ourselves. We must remind ourselves not to get bogged

How Can We Apply This Wisdom In Our Own Lives?

How can we put Livy’s philosophy and words into action in our day-to-day lives? Firstly, try embracing patience and thoughtful action rather than rushing into decisions or judgements (of situations, people and ourselves!).

Now don’t let this put you off … but by studying history, we can better understand the consequences of actions and make better and more informed decisions. This does not have to be dry, and you don’t have to be a history buff – reading and contemplating Livy’s quote above and other ancient philosophers is a good start.

Also, Livy would encourage us to work on our courage in the face of adversity and thereby make decisions for better outcomes. Let’s try to recognize our blessings and work on our vices, rather than just focusing on misfortunes.

Livy emphasizes that we should take personal responsibility to ensure our own growth. He believed that every setback could be transformed into an opportunity if we strive for greatness and make the most of it. Courage is essential in this situation, as it will provide us with the strength and motivation to overcome difficulties and better ourselves.

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Our humble guide on this historical odyssey is a fellow by the name of Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius. Boethius, for the sake of brevity. This philosopher, born amidst the glory of Rome circa 477 AD, only to be abruptly plucked from existence come 524 AD, had an uncanny knack for leaving an indelible impression on the tapestry of philosophy, stretching from the twilight years of antiquity to the doorstep of our modern age. His masterpiece? “”The Consolation of Philosophy,”” a poetic dialogue between himself and Philosophy, which he wrote in the solitude of his prison cell, awaiting execution.

Boethius’s words deal with with the timeless and the profound: the pursuit of happiness, the essence of virtue, the trappings of fortune, the extraordinary power of love. His quotations, encourage us to scrutinize and reflect on our own lives. As we venture into these quotes on love, happiness, human nature and fortune, we encourage the mind to embrace Boethius’s wisdom and to examine how this voice from antiquity still resonates deeply. Shall we get on with it?

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Best, Most Popular and Famous Boethius Quotes

“Music is part of us, and either ennobles or degrades our behavior.”  ~  Boethius

“Nothing is miserable unless you think it is so.”  ~  Boethius

“The good is the end towards which all things tend.”  ~  Boethius

“And it is because you don’t know the end and purpose of things that you think the wicked and the criminal have power and happiness.”  ~  Boethius

“All fortune is good fortune; for it either rewards, disciplines, amends, or punishes, and so is either useful or just.”  ~  Boethius

“Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law.”  ~  Boethius

Discover quotes by other Roman historians across our site: Tacitus, Publilius Syrus, Livy, Flavius Josephus, Sallust and Vegetius.

Boethius Quotes on Love

“Love binds people too, in matrimony’s sacred bonds where chaste lovers are met, and friends cement their trust and friendship. How happy is mankind, if the love that orders the stars above rules, too, in your hearts.”  ~  Boethius

“Good men seek it by the natural means of the virtues; evil men, however, try to achieve the same goal by a variety of concupiscences, and that is surely an unnatural way of seeking the good. Don’t you agree?”  ~  Boethius

“Whose souls, albeit in a cloudy memory, yet seek back their good, but, like drunk men, know not the road home.”  ~  Boethius

“If there is anything good about nobility it is that it enforces the necessity of avoiding degeneracy.”  ~  Boethius

“One’s virtue is all that one truly has, because it is not imperiled by the vicissitudes of fortune.”  ~  Boethius

“Music is so naturally united with us that we cannot be free from it – even if we so desired.”  ~  Boethius

“The friend that success brings you becomes your foe in time of misfortune. And there is no evil more able to do you injury than a friend turned foe.”  ~  Boethius

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Boethius Quotes on Happiness

“A man content to go to heaven alone will never go to heaven.”  ~  Boethius

“So dry your tears. Fortune has not yet turned her hatred against all your blessings. The storm has not yet broken upon you with too much violence. Your anchors are holding firm and they permit you both comfort in the present, and hope in the future.”  ~  Boethius

“The greatest misery in adverse fortune is once to have been happy.”  ~  Boethius

“The completely simultaneous and perfect possession of unlimited life at a single moment.”  ~  Boethius

“So nothing is ever good or bad unless you think it so, and vice versa. All luck is good luck to the man who bears it with equanimity.”  ~  Boethius

“Whose happiness is so firmly established that he has no quarrel from any side with his estate of life?”  ~  Boethius

“For in all adversity of fortune the worst sort of misery is to have been happy.”  ~  Boethius

“Contemplate the extent and stability of the heavens, and then at last cease to admire worthless things.”  ~  Boethius

“Balance out the good things and the bad that have happened in your life and you will have to acknowledge that you are still way ahead. You are unhappy because you have lost those things in which you took pleasure? But you can also take comfort in the likelihood that what is now making you miserable will also pass away.””  ~  Boethius

Boethius Quotes on Human Nature and Self-awareness

“Wretched men cringe before tyrants who have no power, the victims of their trivial hopes and fears. They do not realise that anger is hopeless, fear is pointless and desire all a delusion. He whose heart is fickle is not his own master, has thrown away his shield, deserted his post, and he forges the links of the chain that holds him.”  ~  Boethius

“Man is so constituted that he then only excels other things when he knows himself.”  ~  Boethius

“Indeed, the condition of human nature is just this; man towers above the rest of creation so long as he realizes his own nature, and when he forgets it, he sinks lower than the beasts. For other living things to be ignorant of themselves, is natural; but for man it is a defect.”  ~  Boethius

“Your mind is likewise blocked. But the right road awaits you still. Cast out your doubts, your fears and your desires, let go of grief and of hope as well, for where these rule the mind is their subject.”  ~  Boethius

“So it follows that those who have reason have freedom to will or not to will, although this freedom is not equal in all of them. […] human souls are more free when they persevere in the contemplation of the mind of God, less free when they descend to the corporeal, and even less free when they are entirely imprisoned in earthly flesh and blood.”  ~  Boethius

“In other living creatures the ignorance of themselves is nature, but in men it is a vice.”  ~  Boethius

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Boethius Quotes on Fortune

“Mutability is our tragedy, but it’s also our hope. The worst of time, like the best, are always passing away.”  ~  Boethius

“And no renown can render you well-known: For if you think that fame can lengthen life by mortal famousness immortalized, the day will come that takes your fame as well, and there a second death for you awaits.”  ~  Boethius

“If there is a God, whence proceed so many evils? If there is no God, whence cometh any good?”  ~  Boethius

“It’s my belief that history is a wheel. ‘Inconstancy is my very essence,’ says the wheel. ‘Rise up on my spokes if you like but don’t complain when you’re cast back down into the depths. Good time pass away, but then so do the bad.”  ~  Boethius

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What Are The Quotes by Boethius All About?

Boethius’s quotes delve into several themes – love, music, goodness, fortune, and self-understanding. Love is a significant force, binding people and holding a higher rule of its own whilst music is portrayed as a core aspect of our beings, affecting our behavior.

Goodness, according to Boethius, is the ultimate goal of all things; he values virtues and regards them as the only thing that can stand up against changing fortune. The idea of fortune is also covered being deemed as generally good because it can either reward, teach or serve justice.

Teachings: What Can We Learn From These Quotes?

We can learn several important life lessons from Boethius. He emphasizes the significance of understanding ourselves and suggests that our advantage and superiority lies in our self-awareness. Also, he suggests that our happiness is mainly based on our perception – he beat so many to the conclusion, that indeed we decide what makes us miserable.

Boethius also warns about getting too distracted by and immersed in our fears and hopes, recommending that we understand the futility of anger, fear, and misguided desires.

Putting Into Practice: How Can We Apply This Wisdom In Our Own Lives?

Boethius’s teachings, although originating in sometimes abstract philosophy, have many real-world applications for our daily lives. His focus on self-awareness encourages us to evaluate ourselves, aligning our actions with our personal values and making better decisions.

Also, his views on happiness can help us deal better with life’s ups and downs… and his thoughts about love can remind us to nurture meaningful relationships. Just remember, we have to consider the context and apply our own critical thinking when dealing with these kind of ideas and wisdom, not just blindly follow.”

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Who Was Boethius?

Upringing and Personal Life

Boethius was born into a distinguished and influential family around 477 AD in Rome, Italy. His father was an influential senator, but unfortunately passed away when Boethius was young. In spite of this early hardship, Boethius was adopted by Quintus Aurelius Memmius Symmachus, a man of considerable wisdom and high standing. This upbringing, both privileged and marked by intellectual stimulation, likely contributed to his later achievements as a scholar and philosopher.

In terms of his personal life, Boethius married Rusticiana, his adoptive sister, with whom he had two sons. They lived in Rome where Boethius enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle due to his familial wealth and his position as a senator, following in his father’s footsteps.

Success and Achievements: What They Are Best Known For?

Boethius enjoyed considerable success in his professional life. Besides being a prominent statesman and philosopher, he was also a respected scholar, widely recognized for translating and preserving ancient Greek texts, which made him a central figure in the transmission of ancient Greek philosophy to the Middle Ages. His greatest achievement is arguably his work, “”The Consolation of Philosophy””, which he wrote while imprisoned.

“”The Consolation of Philosophy”” remains an influential piece of literature, with its teachings reverberating through centuries. It has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired a host of thinkers, writers, and philosophers throughout history, from Thomas Aquinas to C.S. Lewis.

Struggles and Character Flaws: They were only human!

Despite his success and intellectual prowess, Boethius’ life was not devoid of struggles. His political career culminated in a position as magister officiorum (Master of Offices) in the court of King Theodoric the Great, but it also led to his downfall. Accused of treason for alleged correspondence with the Eastern Roman Empire, he was imprisoned, condemned without a public trial, and eventually executed in 524 AD.

While Boethius’ personal flaws remain a mystery due to the lack of extensive historical documentation, his written works, especially “”The Consolation of Philosophy,”” bear witness to his internal struggles, notably his grappling with fortune’s fickleness, the ephemeral nature of worldly success, and the enduring value of virtue and wisdom.

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The Best, Most Popular and Famous Publilius Syrus Quotes

“Speech is the mirror of the soul.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Bear without murmuring what cannot be changed.”  ~  Publius Syrus

“Take care that no one hates you justly.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“A good reputation is more valuable than money.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“No one knows what he can do until he tries.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“We die as often as we lose a friend.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The sweetest pleasure arises from difficulties overcome.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“It takes a long time to bring excellence to maturity.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on Wisdom and Learning

“Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The remedy for wrongs is to forget them.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“It is better to learn late than never.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“An angry man is again angry with himself when he returns to reason.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“It is a good thing to learn caution from the misfortunes of others.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“It is only the ignorant who despise education.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Each day is the scholar of yesterday.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Practice is the best of all instructors.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Some remedies are worse than the disease.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“There are some remedies worse than the disease.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Learn to see in another’s calamity the ills which you should avoid.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on Love, Friendship and Human Relationships

“It is kindness to immediately refuse what you intend to deny.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“They do injury to the good who spares the bad.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Admonish your friends privately, but praise them openly.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“To refuse graciously is to confer a favor.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The wounds of love can only be healed by the one who made them.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Reprove your friends in secret, praise them openly.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The person who receives the most favors is the one who knows how to return them.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“He who spares the bad injures the good.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“When you confer a benefit on those worthy of it, you confer a favor on all.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on Honor and Character

“He who has lost honor can lose nothing more.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“God looks at the clean hands, not the full ones.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The judge is found guilty when a criminal is acquitted.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“You are in a pitiable condition if you have to conceal what you wish to tell.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“How unhappy is he who cannot forgive himself.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“What is left when honor is lost?”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“It is a fraud to borrow what we are unable to pay.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on the Art of Decision-Making and Timing

“It is not every question that deserves an answer.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Don’t turn back when you are just at the goal.”  ~  Publius Syrus

“Count not him among your friends who will retail your privacies to the world.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“If you wish to reach the highest, begin at the lowest.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“A hasty judgment is a first step to recantation.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“It is a bad plan that admits of no modification.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The opportunity is often lost by deliberating.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on the Balance of Power and Influence

“It is folly to punish your neighbor by fire when you live next door.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Audacity augments courage; hesitation, fear.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“He who lives in solitude may make his own laws.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Never promise more than you can perform.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Powerful indeed is the empire of habit.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“One is not exposed to danger who, even when in safety is always on their guard.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Valor grows by daring, fear by holding back.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The timid man calls himself cautious, the sordid man thrifty.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“To do two things at once is to do neither.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“He whom many fear, has himself many to fear.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Where there is unity there is always victory.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The greatest of empires, is the empire over one’s self.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on Perception and Reality

“Art has a double face, of expression and illusion, just like science has a double face: the reality of error and the phantom of truth.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The eyes are not responsible when the mind does the seeing.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The bare recollection of anger kindles anger.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“We are born princes and the civilizing process makes us frogs.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“An angry father is most cruel towards himself.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“You cannot put the same shoe on every foot.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“A beautiful face is a mute recommendation.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus Quotes on Adversity and Prosperity

“The happy man is not he who seems thus to others, but who seems thus to himself.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“A gift in season is a double favor to the needy.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The weeping of an heir is laughter in disguise.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Pain forces even the innocent to lie.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“Fortune is like glass – the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

“The miser is as much in want of what he has as of what he has not.”  ~  Publilius Syrus

What Are The Quotes All About?

Themes and Topics

What we’ve got here in the words of Publilius Syrus are a kind of ancient report on the human condition. He’s talking morality, responsibility, societal dynamics, with a bit of grit and pith that seem to have been picked up in the crucible of his own life. Quotes like “”He who spares the bad injures the good,”” and “”When you confer a benefit on those worthy of it, you confer a favor on all,”” carry this universal weight. They are as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. Broad themes? Sure, they’re there – integrity, the sting of deceit, the complexities of relationships.

What Can We Learn From These Publilius Syrus Quotes?

Syrus’s teachings are, at their core, about being good humans – an exercise in navigating this life with dignity and honesty. He’s not shy about the pitfalls of moral negligence; “”You are in a pitiable condition if you have to conceal what you wish to tell,”” rings a bell? Accountability and authenticity are kind of his big things. Plus, there’s this raw insight into the social world we inhabit: “”Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.”” It’s a warning and a reassurance, all at once. Real friends stay, the rest is just noise.

Putting Into Practice: How Can We Apply This Wisdom In Our Own Lives?

Applying this wisdom isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the little decisions we make each day. It’s choosing honesty when it’s easier to lie. It’s about taking responsibility even when the blame could be passed on. It’s about not judging others too quickly: “A hasty judgment is a first step to recantation.” It’s about valuing true friends, even when they aren’t handy to have around. If Syrus has anything to teach us, it’s that life is nuanced and challenging, but by leaning into integrity and respect, we can navigate it with grace. It’s not rocket science, but it is a path.

Who Was Publilius Syrus?

Upringing and Personal Life

Publilius Syrus’ personal journey is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit. Born into slavery around 85 B.C., in Syria, detailed information about his early life and upbringing is unfortunately lost to history. However, it’s safe to assume that his experiences as a slave shaped his perspectives and contributed to the depth of his wisdom. After he was brought to Italy, his master recognized his intellect and quick wit, subsequently granting him freedom. His newfound liberty allowed him to embrace his talent for words, further shaping his unique perspective on life and society.

Success and Achievements: What They Are Best Known For?

Once free, Publilius Syrus made a name for himself in Rome with his sharp mind and the ability to articulate profound truths about human nature. His most notable work, “”Sententiae””, is a compilation of moral maxims that provide invaluable insights into life, relationships, and personal character. These pithy sayings were so impactful that they were used in schools for rhetorical exercises during the Roman Empire and beyond. Publilius’ ability to crystallize wisdom in concise, memorable phrases made him an enduring figure in classical literature.

Struggles and Character Flaws: They were only human!

It’s challenging to outline Publilius Syrus’ struggles and character flaws due to the scarcity of detailed personal accounts. Yet, considering his background as a former slave, it’s likely he faced considerable hardships. His journey was undoubtedly fraught with challenges, which may have played a part in shaping his understanding of the human condition. His maxims often hint at an intimate understanding of adversity, subtly suggesting the personal struggles that might have inspired them. As we reflect on his wise sayings, it’s important to remember the human behind the words – a man who overcame great odds and left a lasting legacy.”

Tacitus is a well-placed guide to look behind the curtain of the wealthy and the powerful, dishing the dirt on the virtuous and not-so-virtuous with equal fervor. Every quote of his is a key to understanding our own complexities, triumphs, and the occasional foot-in-mouth moments.

We hope you enjoy these 40 Tacitus quotes on love and envy, human nature, corruption and society, power and leadership and virtue and adversity.

Best, Most Popular and Famous Tacitus Quotes

“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.”  ~  Tacitus

“Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure.”  ~  Tacitus

“If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.”  ~  Tacitus

“They have plundered the world, stripping naked the land in their hunger… they are driven by greed, if their enemy be rich; by ambition, if poor… They ravage, they slaughter, they seize by false pretenses, and all of this they hail as the construction of empire. And when in their wake nothing remains but a desert, they call that peace.”  ~  Tacitus

“Viewed from a distance, everything is beautiful.”  ~  Tacitus

Tacitus Quotes on Love, Envy and Retribution

“To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.”  ~  Tacitus

“When men are full of envy they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad.”  ~  Tacitus

“When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing.”  ~  Tacitus “Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.”  ~  Tacitus “Things forbidden have a secret charm.”  ~  Tacitus

Tacitus Quotes on Human Nature

“Love of fame is the last thing even learned men can bear to be parted from.”  ~  Tacitus

“Fear is not in the habit of speaking truth when perfect sincerity is expected, perfect freedom must be allowed nor has anyone who is apt to be angry when he hears the truth any cause to wonder that he does not hear it.”  ~  Tacitus

“Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay falsehood by haste and uncertainty.”  ~  Tacitus

“It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.”  ~  Tacitus

“It is human nature to hate the man whom you have hurt.”  ~  Tacitus

“Greater things are believed of those who are absent.”  ~  Tacitus

“Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.”  ~  Tacitus

“A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.”  ~  Tacitus

Tacitus Quotes on Corruption and Society

“A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.”  ~  Tacitus

“In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.”  ~  Tacitus

“When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.”  ~  Tacitus

“To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.”  ~  Tacitus

“Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.”  ~  Tacitus

Tacitus Quotes on Power and Leadership

“Custom adapts itself to expediency.”  ~  Tacitus

“No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.”  ~  Tacitus

“Victor and vanquished never unite in substantial agreement.”  ~  Tacitus

“Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.”  ~  Tacitus

“He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.”  ~  Tacitus

“Valor is of no service, chance rules all, and the bravest often fall by the hands of cowards.”  ~  Tacitus

“Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.”  ~  Tacitus

“The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.”  ~  Tacitus

“All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.”  ~  Tacitus

Tacitus Quotes on Virtue and Adversity

“Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.”  ~  Tacitus

“Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.”  ~  Tacitus

“It is less difficult to bear misfortunes than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.”  ~  Tacitus

“We see many who are struggling against adversity who are happy, and more although abounding in wealth, who are wretched.”  ~  Tacitus

“Prosperity is the measure or touchstone of virtue, for it is less difficult to bear misfortune than to remain uncorrupted by pleasure.”  ~  Tacitus

“Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.”  ~  Tacitus

“A bad peace is even worse than war.”  ~  Tacitus

What are the Quotes All About? Lessons and Applications of Tacitus Quotes

Alright, so let’s dive into the universe of Tacitus quotes. We’re talking a myriad of themes – human nature, societal norms, power politics, love, envy, you name it. It’s a smorgasbord of thought nuggets, each one, like “The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws,” offering a peek into his take on societal corrosion.

What Can We Learn From These Quotes?

Now, what do we get from these quotes, aside from the sort of thrill of looking into a two-thousand-year-old mind? Tacitus’ words are a kind of guidebook, nudging us to question character, societal standards, power dynamics, and how we react when life throws us the proverbial curveball. He’s not handing out comfort. Instead, he nudges us towards introspection with gems like “Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy,” and leadership advice like “Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.”

How Can We Apply This Wisdom In Our Own Lives?

How do we use this ancient wisdom today? Well, Tacitus’ musings beg for personal reflection and discernment. Ponder this – “It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured,” he says. It’s a call for kindness, empathy, a kind of universal ‘don’t be a jerk.’ His views on power and leadership could guide us towards responsible, fair leadership. And his critique of societal decay? Well, that’s a push for integrity in a world where it seems increasingly scarce.

The Dark Side (Not So Wise Quotes)

Now, not everything Tacitus had to say is a nugget of wisdom. Some quotes, like “When a woman has lost her chastity she will shrink from nothing,” read more like outdated stereotypes than enlightened philosophy. Others, like “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise,” seem to lean more towards cynicism than profound insight. It’s a reminder that while Tacitus offers plenty of food for thought, he was a product of his time, and his views don’t always stand up to modern sensibilities.

Who Was Tacitus? A Brief Introduction Into Tacitus

Upringing and Personal Life: What Made Them?

Delving into the life of Tacitus, we must first acknowledge that historical recording has left us in the dark about many aspects of his early life. Born into a provincial family, possibly in Gaul (modern-day France), Tacitus lived from around 56 AD to 120 AD. A part of the senatorial class, he grew up in a period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire, often called the Silver Age. As a member of the Roman elite, he likely received a high-quality education, focusing on rhetoric, a skill he later used masterfully in his works.

Tacitus was married to the daughter of the famous general Agricola, whose biography he penned, showcasing a deep respect and admiration for his father-in-law. This relationship no doubt greatly influenced his views on leadership, virtue, and the workings of the empire. Tacitus’ personality, as gleaned from his writings, was that of an astute observer, a thoughtful critic of society and power, and a man of strong moral conviction.

Success and Achievements: What They Are Best Known For?

Tacitus’ legacy lies primarily in his significant contributions to Roman historical literature. He penned several key works, including “Germania,” “Agricola,” “Histories,” and “Annals.” Through his narrative and analytical style, Tacitus provided unique insights into the socio-political dynamics of Roman society, the workings of power, and the nature of leadership.

“Annals” and “Histories” are particularly notable as they cover the Roman Empire’s historical span from the death of Augustus to the end of the Flavian dynasty. He has influenced countless historians and writers with his engaging narrative style, sharp political commentary, and exploration of moral issues. Tacitus’ influence was vast, shaping the work of many later historians and thinkers, from the Renaissance humanists to Enlightenment philosophers and modern political theorists.

Struggles and Character Flaws: They were only human!

While Tacitus’ achievements are impressive, it’s essential to recognize his humanity, which included challenges and limitations. One key struggle was the political environment Tacitus had to navigate. Living through the reigns of multiple emperors, he needed to tread carefully in his commentary, leading to a writing style often marked by subtle implication rather than direct accusation.

As for character flaws, some critics argue that Tacitus may have had a somewhat cynical view of human nature, often emphasizing individuals’ corruptibility in power. His works, while insightful, tend to focus more on the political elite and less on the experiences of ordinary people, thereby presenting a somewhat narrow view of Roman life.