Persius Quotes
Aulus Persius Flaccus (34–62) was a Roman satirical poet and moralist.
Also known as: Aulus Persius Flaccus
Random Persius quote
29 quotes
Our life is our own to-day, to-morrow you will be dust, a shade, and a tale that is told. Live mindful of death; the hour flies.
Is all your knowledge to go so utterly for nothing unless other people know that you possess it?
O but it is a fine thing to have a finger pointed at one, and to hear people say, "That's the man!"
Is any man free except the one who can pass his life as he pleases?
Is then thy knowledge of no value, unless another know that thou possessest that knowledge?
It is pleasing to be pointed at with the finger and to have it said, "There goes the man."
The man who wishes to bend me with his tale of woe must shed true tears – not tears that have been got ready overnight.
Each man has his own desires; all do not possess the same inclinations.
Let them recognize virtue and rot for having lost it.
Though thy face is glossed with specious art thou retainest the cunning fox beneath thy vapid breast.
Thou art moist and soft clay; thou must instantly be shaped by the glowing wheel.
Retire within thyself, and thou will discover how small a stock is there.
You follow words of the toga (language of the cultivated class).
Live with yourself: get to know how poorly furnished you are.
That master of arts, that dispenser of genius, the Belly.
He attempts to use language which he does not know.
Don’t consult anyone’s opinions but your own.
None, none descends into himself, to find
The secret imperfections of his mind.
It does not smack of the desk, or bitten nails.
Why, like the hindmost chariot wheels, art curst
Still to be near but ne'er to reach the first.