Ovid Quotes

Powerful Ovid for Daily Growth

About Ovid

Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso), born on April 20, 43 BC in Sulmo (modern-day Sulmona, Italy), was a renowned Roman poet, widely recognized as one of the greatest poets of antiquity. His birth name was Publius Ovidius and he is most commonly known by his nickname, Ovid. Ovid's life spanned from the late Republic to the early Empire era. He began his literary career during Augustus Caesar's reign, writing elegies under the title Amores (Loves), reflecting themes of love, jealousy, and infidelity. His next significant work, Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love), was a witty guide on the pursuit of romantic love. In 8 AD, Ovid published his magnum opus, Metamorphoses, an epic poem consisting of fifteen books that retell mythology in the form of metamorphosis or transformation. This work showcases Ovid's mastery over narrative structure and poetic language, and is considered one of the greatest works of world literature. In 8 AD, following an alleged affair with Emperor Augustus' granddaughter, Julia, Ovid was exiled to Tomis (modern-day Constanța, Romania). This event marked a turning point in his life and work, as he wrote numerous poetic works while in exile, including the Tristia (Sorrows) and Epistulae ex Ponto (Letters from Pontus), expressing longing for Rome and reflecting on his exile. Despite being written during a period of personal adversity, Ovid's poetry continues to captivate audiences around the world. His works have influenced literature, art, and music throughout history, making him a timeless figure in Western culture.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." (Seize the day, putting as little trust as possible in the future.)

This quote by Ovid encourages living in the present moment and making the most of it, without relying too heavily on what might happen in the future. It's a reminder to appreciate the fleeting nature of life and seize opportunities that arise today, rather than waiting for supposedly better or more certain circumstances that may never come. The phrase "putting as little trust as possible in the future" highlights that we cannot predict the future with absolute certainty, so it's important to focus on what is within our control right now and make meaningful actions towards our goals.


"Amor non facit Jubilum." (Love makes no festival.)

This quote by Ovid suggests that love, while it brings joy, happiness, and passion, does not guarantee a life free of difficulties or troubles. Love might bring excitement and bliss, but it doesn't create a state of constant celebration or exempt one from challenges and hardships. In essence, love brings its own festivities, but it does not eliminate the need for coping with life's ups and downs.


"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." (It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country.)

This quote, "Dulce et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori" by Ovid, emphasizes the idea that sacrificing oneself for one's nation is honorable and noble, often associated with romantic notions of patriotism. It suggests that such a death is both pleasing (dulce) and appropriate (decorum). This sentiment has been a recurring theme in various cultures and eras, demonstrating the universal human desire to serve and protect one's homeland. However, it's essential to remember that this quote was written during the Roman Empire, and its context should be considered when interpreting its modern-day implications.


"Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo." (If I cannot bend the higher powers, I will stir up the lower ones.)

This quote by Ovid is a declaration of defiance and persistence. If one is unable to influence or manipulate the higher powers or authorities, they will instead mobilize or agitate the lesser, less influential forces, often as a means of achieving their goals or overcoming obstacles. It's about channeling energy and determination towards alternative paths when faced with resistance from those in power.


"Nemo me impune lacessit." (No one lays a hand on me with impunity.) - This quote is often misattributed to Ovid but it's actually from Virgil's Aeneid. However, it is associated with Ovid in popular culture.

This quote, often associated with Ovid but originally from Virgil's Aeneid, expresses a strong resolve and determination against any form of harm or disrespect. It essentially means that anyone who provokes or harms the speaker will not do so without consequence. In essence, it symbolizes standing up for oneself and asserting one's dignity. The quote's association with Ovid in popular culture suggests a broader understanding of this type of defiant spirit, which is characteristic of many of his works.


We are ever striving after what is forbidden, and coveting what is denied us.

- Ovid

Forbidden, Ever, After, Striving

Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs.

- Ovid

Love, Me, Ah, Cured

Nowadays nothing but money counts: a fortune brings honors, friendships; the poor man everywhere lies low.

- Ovid

Nothing, Fortune, Counts, Friendships

Thou seest how sloth wastes the sluggish body, as water is corrupted unless it moves.

- Ovid

How, Unless, Wastes, Corrupted

The lamp burns bright when wick and oil are clean.

- Ovid

Clean, Bright, Oil, Lamp

Give way to your opponent; thus will you gain the crown of victory.

- Ovid

Give, Will, Thus, Opponent

Venus favors the bold.

- Ovid

Bold, Favors, Venus

It is convenient that there be gods, and, as it is convenient, let us believe there are.

- Ovid

Believe, Let Us, Gods, Convenient

At times it is folly to hasten at other times, to delay. The wise do everything in its proper time.

- Ovid

Other, Folly, Times, Delay

Death is less bitter punishment than death's delay.

- Ovid

Death, Punishment, Than, Delay

Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all.

- Ovid

Happiness, Broken, Which, Hurt

The will is commendable though the ability may be wanting.

- Ovid

Wanting, May, Though, Commendable

First appearance deceives many.

- Ovid

Wisdom, Appearance, Deceives, First Appearance

Against the bold, daring is unsafe.

- Ovid

Bold, Against, Daring, Unsafe

The sharp thorn often produces delicate roses.

- Ovid

Thorn, Delicate, Produces, Sharp

The gods behold all righteous actions.

- Ovid

Actions, Righteous, Gods, Behold

All love is vanquished by a succeeding love.

- Ovid

Love, Succeeding, Vanquished, Love Is

Bear patiently with a rival.

- Ovid

Patience, Bear, Patiently, Rival

There is more refreshment and stimulation in a nap, even of the briefest, than in all the alcohol ever distilled.

- Ovid

Alcohol, Refreshment, Ever, Nap

Courage conquers all things: it even gives strength to the body.

- Ovid

Strength, Things, Even, Conquers

A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man's brow.

- Ovid

Death, New, Delicate, Worried

Neither can the wave that has passed by be recalled, nor the hour which has passed return again.

- Ovid

Hour, Nor, Which, Recalled

The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged.

- Ovid

Will, Race, Which, Accord

All things can corrupt when minds are prone to evil.

- Ovid

Minds, Corrupt, Things, All Things

Time, the devourer of all things.

- Ovid

Time, Things, All Things

People are slow to claim confidence in undertakings of magnitude.

- Ovid

Confidence, Slow, Magnitude, Claim

Most safely shall you tread the middle path.

- Ovid

Path, Middle, Most, Tread

No man can purchase his virtue too dear, for it is the only thing whose value must ever increase with the price it has cost us. Our integrity is never worth so much as when we have parted with our all to keep it.

- Ovid

Worth, The Only Thing, Our, Parted

The bold adventurer succeeds the best.

- Ovid

Best, Bold, Succeeds, Adventurer

A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.

- Ovid

Horse, Never, Other, Runs

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