Revenge is sweeter than life itself. So think fools.
JuvenalRead
Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote criticizes how the people have surrendered their responsibilities to those in power, focusing instead on basic needs and distractions.
Juvenal's quote reflects on the apathy and disengagement of the populace from their civic duties in the face of a corrupt system. Instead of actively participating in governance and holding leaders accountable, people have resorted to seeking mere survival through basic comforts and entertainment, symbolized by 'bread and circuses,' which serves as a commentary on societal stagnation and the dangers of complacency.
Themes
ApathyPoliticsCivic DutyEntertainmentSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about civic engagement during a political rally.
More from Juvenal
All quotes →Peace visits not the guilty mind.
JuvenalRead
An incurable itch for scribbling takes possession of many, and grows inveterate in their insane breasts.
JuvenalRead
Poverty is bitter, but it has no harder pang than that it makes men ridiculous.
JuvenalRead
All wish to possess knowledge, but few, comparatively speaking, are willing to pay the price.
JuvenalRead
This is his first punishment, that by the verdict of his own heart no guilty man is acquitted.
JuvenalRead
Similar quotes
People constantly speak of 'the government' doing this or that, as they might speak of God doing it. But the government is really nothing but a group of men, and usually they are very inferior men. They may have some better man working for them, but they themselves are seldom worthy of any respect.
H. L. MenckenRead
Congress is where Americans are supposed to have our big, messy political fights. That's because the people who make the laws need to be hired and fired by the people. Don't like the laws? Fire the lawmakers.
Ben SasseRead
The rule of law should be respected so that the basic structure of our democracy is maintained and further strengthened.
Lal Bahadur ShastriRead
Have you ever wondered why Republicans are so interested in encouraging people to volunteer in their communities? It’s because volunteers work for no pay. Republicans have been trying to get people to work for no pay for a long time.
George CarlinRead
If more government is the answer, then it was a really stupid question.
Ronald ReaganRead
One can't doubt that the American objective in Iraq has failed - different plans have to be made. And the kernel here is the acknowledgement of defeat.
William F. Buckley, Jr.Read