Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
Those unacquainted with the world take pleasure in intimacy with great men; those who are wiser fear the consequences.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that while many admire and wish to be close to great individuals, true wisdom comes with understanding the potential repercussions of such intimacy.
Horace contrasts the naive admiration of individuals who are not well-versed in the ways of the world with the caution of those who possess wisdom. The former enjoy the company of great men without considering the weight of their influence, while the latter recognize that intimacy with powerful figures can bring unintended consequences, whether they are social, political, or personal. This reflects a deeper understanding of relationships that come with knowledge and experience.
Themes
WisdomIntimacyGreatnessConsequencesRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the influence of public figures, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of understanding the dynamics at play.
More from Horace
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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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