Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Publilius Syrus (Syrian-born Latin Writer)

Publilius Syrus (fl.first-century BCE) was a Latin writer of mimes and dramatic sketches presenting scenes from daily life. He is best known for his Sententiae, aphorisms that express moral teaching and advocate pragmatism.

Born in Syria, Publilius Syrus was brought to Italy as a slave. Because of his wit and talent, he won the favor of his master, who emancipated and educated him. He was invited by Julius Caesar to perform at the 46 BCE celebrations of the Gallic Triumph. Publilius Syrus challenged other mime-writers to extemporize on a specified scenario and was proclaimed winner by Caesar over his chief rival.

In the first century CE, apothegms of a variety of characters in the mimes were selected and ordered alphabetically, often organized without context. As a result, it is difficult to distinguish original Publilian sententiae from accretions, paraphrases, distortions, and misattributions of other authors’ maxims.

More: Wikipedia READ: Works by Publilius Syrus

The timid man calls himself cautious, the sordid man thrifty.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Thrift, Money

A wise man never refuses anything to necessity.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Acceptance, Necessity

From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Wisdom, Role models, Failures, Mistakes

He conquers twice who conquers himself in victory.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Victory, Discipline, Self-Discovery

A guilty conscience never feels secure.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: One liners, Guilt

No one reaches a high position without daring.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Success, Virtues, Risk, Courage, Bravery

Powerful indeed is the empire of habit.
Publilius Syrus

If you would live innocently, seek solitude.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Innocence

An unruly patient makes a harsh physician.
Publilius Syrus

Depend not on fortune, but on conduct.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Fortune

He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on his guard.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Caution

The next day is never so good as the day before.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Time, Past, The Past

The loss which is unknown is no loss at all.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Loss

That should be considered long which can be decided but once.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Decisions, Thought, Reason

Every vice has its excuse ready.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Excuses, Virtue, Vice

He is much to be dreaded who stands in dread of poverty.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Anxiety, Fear

The person who receives the most favors is the one who knows how to return them.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Kindness

It is kindness to refuse immediately what you intend to deny.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Kindness

The pain of the mind is worse than the pain of the body.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Pain

On the pain involved in most change: There is no fruit that is not bitter before it is ripe.
Publilius Syrus

We are born princes and the civilizing process makes us frogs.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Growth, Civilization

Flattery was formerly a vice; it has now become the fashion.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Flattery

It is not every question that deserves an answer.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Questions

Each day should be passed as though it were our last.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Time Management

Life itself is short, but lasts longer than misfortunes.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Misfortunes, Fortune

The most delightful pleasures cloy without variety.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Pleasure

A man’s own character is the arbiter of his fortune.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Success, Success & Failure

Some remedies are worse than the disease.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Medicine

One ungrateful man does an injury to all who stand in need of aid.
Publilius Syrus
Topics: Gratitude, Ingratitude

Never promise more than you can perform.
Publilius Syrus

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