Horace (65 B.C.E. – 8 B.C.E.), also known as Quintus Horatius Flaccus, was a Latin poet, critic, and satirist. He received schooling first in Athens, then later in Rome at The Academy. He joined the republican army for a short time before beginning a career as a clerk in the treasury in Rome. Through his association with a literary circle, he was introduced to Maecenas (political advisor to Augustus), who became his patron and close friend, providing him with an income and a quiet estate where he could write. Horace is best remembered for his Odes and Epistles.
Quotations by Horace…
Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant.
The man who is just and resolute will not be moved from his settled purpose, either by the misdirected rage of his fellow citizens, or by the threats of an imperious tyrant.
My cares and my inquiries are for decency and truth, and in this I am wholly occupied.
The common people are but ill judges of a man’s merits; they are slaves to fame, and their eyes are dazzled with the pomp of titles and large retinue. No wonder, then, that they bestow their honors on those who least deserve them.
It is right to yield to the truth.
Who then is free? The wise man who can govern himself.
You traverse the world in search of happiness, which is within the reach of every man; a contented mind confers it on all.
Dare to be wise!
