Horace (December 8, 65 BC – November 27, 8 BC), was an ancient Roman poet renowned for his lyric poetry and satires. His works, including blend wit, wisdom, and reflections on human nature, offering timeless insights into living a balanced and virtuous life. A leading poet under Emperor Augustus, Horace’s influence endured through the ages, shaping Roman literature and beyond.
The English poet Alexander Pope praised Horace, noting, “He is the great master of good sense and good taste, whose works teach us how to think and how to live.”
Below, we list some words of wisdom from Horace, drawn from his enduring works.
“Seize the day, put no trust in tomorrow.”
“Wisdom is not wisdom when it is derived from books alone.”
“He who is greedy is always in want.”
“Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans; it is lovely to be silly at the right moment.”
“Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise.”
“He who postpones the hour of living rightly is like the rustic who waits for the river to run dry before he crosses.”
“Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.”
“You have played enough; you have eaten and drunk enough. It is time for you to leave.”
“Avoid great things; under a humble roof one may outstrip kings and the chariots of kings.”
“We are but dust and shadow.”
“Anger is a short madness.”
“It is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country.”
“He who has begun has half done. Dare to be wise; begin!”
“Adversity reveals the genius of a general; good fortune conceals it.”
“Pale Death knocks with impartial foot at the cottages of the poor and the palaces of kings.”
“Why do you hasten to remove things that hurt your eyes, but leave those that harm your mind?”
“Whatever advice you give, be brief.”
“He will always be a slave who does not know how to live upon a little.”
“Cease to inquire what the future has in store, and take as a gift whatever the day brings.”
“Force without wisdom falls of its own weight.”
“A heart well prepared for adversity in bad times hopes, and in good times fears, for a change.”
“It is not the rich man you should properly call happy, but him who knows how to use with wisdom the blessings of the gods.”
“In peace, as a wise man, he prepares for war.”
“Leave off asking what tomorrow will bring, and whatever days fortune will give, count them as profit.”
“The man who is tenacious of purpose in a rightful cause is not shaken from his firm resolve by the frenzy of his fellow citizens.”
“A jest often decides matters of importance more effectively than seriousness.”
“You must avoid flattery; it is a kind of slavery.”
“Riches either serve or govern the possessor.”
“The one who saves a man against his will does the same as if he killed him.”
“It is courage, courage, courage, that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor.”
“What we learn only through the ears makes less impression upon our minds than what is presented to the trustworthy eye.”
“He gains everyone’s approval who mixes the pleasant with the useful.”
“Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that Fate allows you.”
“Who then is free? The wise man who can govern himself.”
“Gold loves to make its way through guards, and breaks through walls more effectively than the thunderbolt.”
“Once a word has been allowed to escape, it cannot be recalled.”
“There is a measure in all things.”
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