Welcome to our curated collection of quotes by Roman authors. Roman literature holds a prominent place in the history of Western civilization, with authors such as Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, and Seneca leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. From philosophical musings to epic poetry, Roman writers explored a wide array of themes, offering insights into the human condition, politics, love, and morality.
The richness of Roman literature lies not only in its depth of thought but also in its enduring relevance. Many of the ideas and sentiments expressed by Roman authors continue to resonate with readers across the globe centuries after they were first penned. Whether it’s Seneca’s reflections on the nature of virtue, or Ovid’s poignant portrayal of love and transformation, these quotes offer timeless wisdom and inspiration for contemporary audiences.
Home is where the heart is. Pliny the Elder
A man content to go to heaven alone will never go to heaven. Boethius
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay. Sallust
A liar should have a good memory. Quintilian
Another one of the old poets, whose name has escaped my memory at present, called Truth the daughter of Time. Aulus Gellius
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 96% how I react to it. Scipio Africanus
The Son of God became man so that we might become God. Athanasius
He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again. Tacitus
Let each man pass his days in that wherein his skill is greatest. Sextus Propertius
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature. Marcus Aurelius
Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years. Ausonius
Luck is where opportunity meets preparation. Seneca
Life is one long struggle in the dark. Lucretius
Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God. Athanasius
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. Marcus Aurelius
Happy are those who dare courageously to defend what they love. Ovid
Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many. Phaedrus
A good reputation is more valuable than money. Publilius Syrus
I am innocent of the blood of this just person; see ye to it. Pontius Pilate
The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling. Lucretius
During war, the laws are silent. Quintus Tullius Cicero
It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience. Julius Caesar
Time flies never to be recalled. Virgil
Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men. Quintus Ennius
The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws. Tacitus
It never troubles the wolf how many the sheep may be. Virgil
Hateful is the power, and pitiable is the life, of those who wish to be feared rather than loved. Cornelius Nepos
Beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by the dimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other. Vitruvius
It is better to learn late than never. Publilius Syrus
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Seneca
Hope is the pillar that holds up the world. Hope is the dream of a waking man. Pliny the Elder
To do nothing evil is good; to wish nothing evil is better. Claudius
In time of peace prepare for war. Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus
Young men, hear an old man to whom old men hearkened when he was young. Augustus
Fortune and love favor the brave. Ovid
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Marcus Tullius Cicero
Rome has grown since its humble beginnings that it is now overwhelmed by its own greatness. Livy
Don’t think, just do. Horace
I came, I saw, I conquered. Julius Caesar
He whom the gods love dies young, while he is in health, has his senses and his judgments sound. Plautus
You believe that easily which you hope for earnestly. Terence
Fear created the first gods in the world. Caecilius Statius
I am dying, Egypt, dying. Marc Antony
The day, water, sun, moon, night – I do not have to purchase these things with money. Plautus
I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse. Charles V
By union the smallest states thrive. By discord the greatest are destroyed. Sallust
The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine. Marcus Terentius Varro
Alas, I think I am becoming a god. Titus
Now Herod was an active man, and soon found proper materials for his active spirit to work upon. Flavius Josephus
Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be, even as wheresoever Christ Jesus is, there is the catholic church. Ignatius of Antioch
The gods conceal from men the happiness of death, that they may endure life. Lucan
If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable. Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Say not always what you know, but always know what you say. Claudius
Rare is the union of beauty and purity. Juvenal
Nothing’s beautiful from every point of view. Horace
The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. Marcus Tullius Cicero
It is the duty of a good shepherd to shear his sheep, not to skin them. Tiberius
Hope is patience with the lamp lit. Tertullian
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Tertullian
