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Plautus Quotes

Powerful Plautus for Daily Growth

About Plautus

Plautus (c. 254-184 BC), renowned as the founder of Roman comedy, was a playwright of extraordinary talent who played a crucial role in shaping Western theater. Born in Sarsina, a city of the Roman Republic, his exact date of birth remains unknown. Plautus' works were greatly influenced by Greek New Comedy, which he adapted to suit the Roman taste, infusing them with Latin wit and humor. His plays often revolved around everyday life, social commentary, and relationships, making them relatable and popular among the masses. His major works include "Amphitruo", a comedy about the cunning servant who outwits Zeus in disguise; "Mostellaria" or "The Haunted House", a tale of love and deception; "Captivi", a drama that explores themes of slavery and human nature; and "Curculio", a play revolving around a mischievous character named Curculio. Plautus' plays were not only entertaining but also critical in preserving aspects of Latin language and culture, providing valuable insights into the Roman way of life during his time. He is considered one of the greatest Roman comic playwrights and has significantly influenced subsequent comedic literature, particularly in the development of comedy in Europe. Unfortunately, little is known about Plautus' personal life beyond his works. However, it is believed that he lived during the Middle Republic period and may have worked as a slave or freedman in the theater, eventually rising to prominence. His exact date of death is also unknown, but he is believed to have passed away around 184 BC. Despite the vagueness surrounding his life, Plautus' contributions to literature remain undeniable and continue to be celebrated worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Nec verba nec artis est mulierum magister." (A woman has neither words nor skill to teach.)

This quote by Roman playwright Plautus, "A woman has neither words nor skill to teach," reflects a misogynistic view that was prevalent in ancient Rome regarding women's abilities. It indicates a lack of respect for the intelligence and capabilities of women, suggesting they are uneducated, inarticulate, and incapable of teaching or sharing knowledge, which is clearly not true. This quote serves as a reminder of how far we have come from such stereotypes and reinforces the importance of gender equality today.

"Amo, quod non amo, fallax es." (I love what I do not love; you are deceitful.)

This quote suggests that expressing affection for something or someone one does not truly feel fondness towards is dishonest or deceptive. In other words, if you claim to love something that you actually dislike, you are being insincere.

"Fortune favet urgente." (Fortune favors the bold.)

This quote by Roman playwright Plautus, "Fortune favets urgente" or "Fortune favors the bold," suggests that those who are courageous and proactive in pursuing their goals are more likely to find success or favorable outcomes. In other words, taking calculated risks and being assertive can lead to positive results, as fortune tends to side with the daring. It's a reminder that timidity and passivity may hinder progress, while boldness and determination can create opportunities and unforeseen advantages.

"Quidquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes." (Whatever it is, I fear Greeks even bearing gifts.)

This quote by the ancient Roman playwright Plautus signifies caution against deceit, particularly from those who seem friendly or benevolent. The "Greeks" in this context symbolize outsiders or enemies, and "bearing gifts" represents acts of kindness or offers that might appear generous but could potentially conceal malicious intentions. Essentially, the quote serves as a warning to be wary of others, even when they seem friendly or generous, as their true motives may not always be apparent.

"Non bis in idem." (Do not do the same thing twice to the same person.)

The quote "Non bis in idem" by Roman playwright Plautus emphasizes the principle of fairness and avoiding repetition in actions towards a single individual. In essence, it suggests that one should not repeat harmful or unjust actions against someone, promoting a more equitable society where people are treated fairly over time. This ancient wisdom remains relevant today as it encourages kindness, understanding, and growth in our interactions with others.

I much prefer a compliment, even if insincere, to sincere criticism.

- Plautus

Compliment, Prefer, Even, Insincere

I would rather be adorned by beauty of character than jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from within.

- Plautus

Beauty, Gift, Fortune, Adorned

Good merchandise, even hidden, soon finds buyers.

- Plautus

Hidden, Finds, Buyers, Merchandise

Property is unstable, and youth perishes in a moment. Life itself is held in the grinning fangs of Death, Yet men delay to obtain release from the world. Alas, the conduct of mankind is surprising.

- Plautus

Death, Mankind, Obtain, Unstable

Nothing is more wretched than the mind of a man conscious of guilt.

- Plautus

Mind, Guilt, Wretched, Conscious

Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.

- Plautus

Patience, Best, Trouble, Remedy

Friendship is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.

- Plautus

Friendship, Single, Composed, Inhabiting

Laws are subordinate to custom.

- Plautus

Laws, Custom, Subordinate

Bad conduct soils the finest ornament more than filth.

- Plautus

Bad, Finest, Ornament, Filth

There's no such thing, you know, as picking out the best woman: it's only a question of comparative badness, brother.

- Plautus

Woman, Question, Badness, Comparative

For nobody is curious, who isn't malevolent.

- Plautus

Curious, Nobody, Who, Malevolent

Every man, however wise, needs the advice of some sagacious friend in the affairs of life.

- Plautus

Some, Needs, However, Affairs

The poor man who enters into a partnership with one who is rich makes a risky venture.

- Plautus

Partnership, Poor, Makes, Risky

No blessing lasts forever.

- Plautus

Forever, Lasts, Blessing

Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words.

- Plautus

Birthday, Occasion, Let Us, Wine

This is the great fault of wine; it first trips up the feet: it is a cunning wrestler.

- Plautus

Feet, Cunning, Trips, Wine

Good courage in a bad affair is half of the evil overcome.

- Plautus

Overcome, Bad, Half, Affair

Wisdom is not attained by years, but by ability.

- Plautus

Wisdom, Ability, Years, Attained

If you have overcome your inclination and not been overcome by it, you have reason to rejoice.

- Plautus

Reason, Been, Inclination, Rejoice

Courage is what preserves our liberty, safety, life, and our homes and parents, our country and children. Courage comprises all things.

- Plautus

Country, Preserves, Our, All Things

He who seeks for gain, must be at some expense.

- Plautus

Some, Expense, Must, Seeks

Persevere in virtue and diligence.

- Plautus

Virtue, Persevere, Diligence

The greatest talents often lie buried out of sight.

- Plautus

Lie, Sight, Buried, Talents

He whom the gods love dies young, while he is in health, has his senses and his judgments sound.

- Plautus

Love, Young, His, Dies

'He means well' is useless unless he does well.

- Plautus

Unless, Means, Does, Useless

The day, water, sun, moon, night - I do not have to purchase these things with money.

- Plautus

Nature, Money, Moon, Purchase

A mouse does not rely on just one hole.

- Plautus

Wisdom, Mouse, Just One, Hole

A mouse never entrusts his life to only one hole.

- Plautus

Never, Mouse, His, Hole

It well becomes a young man to be modest.

- Plautus

Young, Young Man, Well, Modest

How great in number are the little minded men.

- Plautus

Men, How, Number, Minded

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