Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from wisdom and moral integrity rather than material wealth.
This quote by Horace emphasizes that a person's happiness is determined not by their financial status but by their ability to wisely use their blessings, endure hardships, and uphold their values. It highlights the importance of honor, loyalty, and selflessness in achieving a fulfilling life, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from moral strength and meaningful relationships rather than mere wealth.
Themes
HappinessWisdomHonorFriendshipPovertyValues
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech about values and integrity.
More from Horace
All quotes βNow is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.
HoraceRead
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.
HoraceRead
It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.
HoraceRead
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.
HoraceRead
Doctrina sed vim promovet insitam. Instruction enlarges the natural powers of the mind.
HoraceRead
Similar quotes
Meditation means you start changing your inner world. You start removing dust from the inner world, you start removing all that is unnecessary in the inner world. You remove all that clutter, all the rubbish you are full of. Meditation means emptying yourself of all that the society has put inside you so that you can have a clean, clear vision, so that you can have a mirror-like quality.
RajneeshRead
When you bring consciousness to anything, things begin to shift.
Eve EnslerRead
Meditation is the way in which we come to feel our basic inseparability from the whole universe, and what that requires is that we shut up.
Alan WattsRead
I have learned the novice can often see things that the expert overlooks._x000D_ _x000D_ All that is necessary is not to be afraid of making mistakes, or of appearing naive.
Abraham MaslowRead
We alchemists look for talent that can heat up and change. Lukewarm won't do. Halfhearted holding back, well-enough getting by? Not here.
RumiRead
What really counts are good endings, not flawed beginnings.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead