Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
A heart well prepared for adversity in bad times hopes, and in good times fears for a change in fortune.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that a wise heart is resilient in tough times and wary in prosperous times.
Horace's quote reflects the dual nature of human experience, where a well-prepared heart understands the inevitability of both challenges and fortunes. In adversity, it maintains hope for better days ahead, while in times of success, it remains cautious, acknowledging that change can bring uncertainty. This awareness fosters a balanced and prudent approach to life's ups and downs.
Themes
AdversityHopeFortuneChangeResilience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can serve as a reminder in motivational speeches about overcoming challenges.
More from Horace
All quotes βNow is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.
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Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.
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It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.
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It is not the rich man you should properly call happy, _x000D_ but him who knows how to use with wisdom the blessings of the gods, _x000D_ to endure hard poverty, and who fears dishonor worse than death, _x000D_ and is not afraid to die for cherished friends or fatherland.
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Few cross the river of time and are able to reach non-being. Most of them run up and down only on this side of the river. But those who when they know the law follow the path of the law, they shall reach the other shore and go beyond the realm of death.
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