January, 20233 min readbook-notes

The Moral Sayings of Publilius Syrus

Some thoughts after reading "The Moral Sayings of Publilius Syrus" book.

Sculpture of Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
Photo by iam_os

Recent read: The Moral Sayings of Publilius Syrus: A Roman Slave.

I have just finished reading this book. It is compromised of two parts (largely): a short biography of Publilius Syrus and a lot of his quotes (1000+.)

Publilius Syrus was Syrian man who later became a Roman citizen and a writer. He was known for his mimes, improvisation and, apparently, sayings.

Here is a few that caught my attention (albeit, I have not read all of them):

  • As men, we are all equal in the presence of death.
  • Allay the anger of your friend by kindness.
  • Every one excels in something in which another fails.
  • Be not blind to a friend's faults, nor hate him for them.
  • The loss which is unknown is no loss at all.
  • We all seek to know whether we shall be rich; but no one asks whether he shall be good.
  • Never forget a favor received; be quick to forget a favor bestowed.
  • Conquest over one's self; in the hour of victory, is a double triumph.
  • A good reputation is more valuable than money.
  • The slothful enjoyment of it, is the worst part of prosperity.
  • To spare the guilty is to injure the innocent.
  • He who can get more than belongs to him, is apt to accommodate his desires to his opportunity.
  • Yesterday should be the teacher of today.
  • The good to which we have become accustomed; is often an evil.
  • Man's life is a loan, not a gift.
  • Victory waits upon unity of action.
  • Where one has led the way, another may follow.
Back