Publilius Syrus Quotes

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Publilius Syrus, (fl. 85 – 43 BC), was a Latin writer, best known for his sententiae. He was a Syrian who was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him.

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Also known as: Publilious Syrus, Publius Syrus, Syrus, Syrus, Publilius

Random Publilius Syrus quote

184 quotes

Confession of our faults is the next thing to innocence.

Conversation is the image of the mind; as the man, so is his speech.

Pardon one offence and you encourage the commission of many.

The judge is condemned when the guilty is acquitted.

It is a bad plan that admits of no modification.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

Bitter for a free man is the bondage of debt.

Poverty is the lack of many things, but avarice is the lack of all things.

A virtuous wife when she obeys her husband obtains the command over him.

Maxims. Reported in Hoyt's (1922)

Unless you bear with the faults of a friend, you betray your own.

If your parent is just, revere him; if not, bear with him.

When a woman is openly bad, then at least she is honest.

Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.

The judge is condemned when the guilty is absolved.

A woman either loves or hates; there is no medium.

He doubly benefits the needy who gives quickly.

He gives a benefit twice who gives quickly.

It is a good thing to learn caution from the misfortunes of others.

The more skillfully the language of goodness is assumed, the greater the depravity.

The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus (1856)

It is folly to punish your neighbour by fire when you live next door.

The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus (1856)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Publilius Syrus (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.