QuoteProject
The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine.
Marcus Terentius Varro
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests a balance in social gatherings, emphasizing moderation in the number of guests.

Marcus Terentius Varro's quote reflects the idea that a dinner gathering should be thoughtfully curated. It advises that the number of guests should align with the classical ideals represented by the Graces and the Muses, advocating for a range between three and nine attendees. This recommendation implies that social interactions benefit from both intimacy and a diverse but manageable group, which enhances the overall experience.

Themes

DinnerGuestsBalanceSocialGathering

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote to explain the ideal size for a dinner party during a planning meeting.

More from Marcus Terentius Varro

Divine Nature gave the fields, human art built the cities.
Marcus Terentius VarroRead
Nature made the fields and man the cities.
Marcus Terentius VarroRead

Similar quotes

I'm always astounded at the way we automatically look at what divides and separates us. We never look at what people have in common.
Doris LessingRead
The questioners had that beautiful detachment and devotion to stern justice of men dealing in death without being in any danger of it.
Ernest HemingwayRead
When people begin to ignore human dignity, it will not be long before they begin to ignore human rights.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
Adventures come to the adventurous, and mysterious things fall in the way of those who, with wonder and imagination, are on the watch for them; but the majority of people go past the doors that are half ajar, thinking them closed, and fail to notice the faint stirrings of the great curtain that hangs ever in the form of appearances between them and the world of causes behind.
Algernon BlackwoodRead
It isn't those who are taken by force, put in chains, and sold as slaves who are the real slaves; it is those who will accept it, morally and physically.
Ousmane SembeneRead
I have named the destroyers of nations: comfort, plenty, and security - out of which grow a bored and slothful cynicism, in which rebellion against the world as it is, and myself as I am, are submerged in listless self-satisfaction.
John SteinbeckRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.