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Terence Quotes

Powerful Terence for Daily Growth

About Terence

Terence Quotes (birth name Terentius Lucceio Gallus, c. 195 - c. 160 AD) was a prominent Roman comic playwright whose works significantly influenced the development of Western drama. Although not much is known about his personal life due to the paucity of historical records, his literary legacy remains an enduring testament to his talent and creativity. Terence was born into slavery in Carthage around 195 AD. At some point, he was purchased by a wealthy Roman, who recognized his exceptional talent and provided him with an education that included the study of Greek literature – a rare opportunity for a slave. His patron eventually freed him and sent him to Rome to further his education. Influenced heavily by the great Greek playwrights Menander and Philemon, Terence is believed to have written 16 comedies (often referred to as 'Andria' or 'Adelphoe') within a short span of eight years after his arrival in Rome. His plays were distinguished by their wit, realistic characters, and focus on moral dilemmas, often involving cross-cultural misunderstandings and social satire. Terence's most famous works include "The Brothers" (Adelphoe), which centers around a pair of long-lost twins reunited under comical circumstances, and "The Woman from Andros" (Andria), about a slave girl who is mistreated by her wealthy owner. These plays continue to be performed today in modern adaptations worldwide, demonstrating their enduring appeal and relevance. Terence's life ended tragically when he died suddenly at the age of 30, just as his career was taking off. Despite this unfortunate fate, Terence left an indelible mark on the world of literature, bridging the gap between Greek and Roman drama and laying the foundation for a rich tradition of comedic writing that continues to thrive today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am a human being; nothing human can be alien to me."

Terence's quote, "I am a human being; nothing human can be alien to me," suggests empathy and understanding towards all humanity. By acknowledging our shared species, he posits that every aspect of the human condition is potentially relatable or familiar, regardless of individual differences. This perspective encourages compassion and fosters unity among people.

"Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."

This quote by Terence suggests that inherently, humans are born with freedom; however, societal norms, cultural expectations, laws, and personal limitations often impose constraints on this freedom. The quote emphasizes the paradoxical state of humanity where we yearn for liberty but find ourselves bound by various factors. It invites us to question and reflect on how we can strike a balance between individual autonomy and societal responsibilities, ultimately encouraging a more mindful approach to personal growth and societal progress.

"In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity."

This quote by Terence emphasizes the importance of finding common ground (unity in essentials) while also allowing for differences and freedom (liberty in non-essentials). Ultimately, it suggests that no matter what our beliefs or perspectives may be, love and kindness (charity) should guide our interactions with others. It's a call for understanding, tolerance, and compassion in a diverse world.

"Dive into yourself, for self-discovery leads to self-acceptance, and self-acceptance to love."

This quote emphasizes the importance of introspection for personal growth and understanding. By delving deep within oneself, one can uncover their true nature, accept their unique traits, flaws, and strengths, leading eventually to self-love. Self-discovery fosters acceptance, which in turn breeds love—not just for others, but most importantly, for oneself. It underlines the idea that loving oneself is an essential foundation for loving others and living a fulfilling life.

"To be good is noble; but to teach the unworthy how to be good is impudence."

This quote by Terence suggests that it may be presumptuous or arrogant for someone to attempt to educate or guide those who are not capable or deserving of such knowledge, particularly in matters of moral goodness. The implication is that teaching virtue should be directed towards individuals who have the potential and readiness to learn and apply these values wisely. It's a reminder that offering guidance in moral issues requires discernment about the character and intentions of those being taught.

Lovers quarrels are the renewal of love.

- Terence

Love, Lovers, Quarrels, Renewal

You're a wise person if you can easily direct your attention to what ever needs it.

- Terence

Wise, Needs, Ever, Wise Person

What harsh judges fathers are to all young men!

- Terence

Young, Dad, Fathers, Young Men

What a grand thing it is to be clever and have common sense.

- Terence

Clever, Common, Sense, Common Sense

While the mind is in doubt it is driven this way and that by a slight impulse.

- Terence

Mind, Driven, Slight, Impulse

To touch a sore is to renew one's grief.

- Terence

Grief, Touch, Renew, Sore

Human nature is so constituted, that all see and judge better in the affairs of other men than in their own.

- Terence

Nature, Own, Other, Affairs

How often things occur by mere chance which we dared not even hope for.

- Terence

Chance, How, Which, Dared

You believe that easily which you hope for earnestly.

- Terence

Hope, Which, Easily, Earnestly

How unfair the fate which ordains that those who have the least should be always adding to the treasury of the wealthy.

- Terence

Fate, Always, Which, Treasury

Moderation in all things.

- Terence

Moderation, Things, All Things

Children should be led into the right paths, not by severity, but by persuasion.

- Terence

Persuasion, Severity, Paths

For you to ask advice on the rules of love is no better than to ask advice on the rules of madness.

- Terence

Love, Madness, Better, Love Is

You can take a chance with any man who pays his bills on time.

- Terence

Chance, Take, His, Pays

He makes a great mistake... who supposes that authority is firmer or better established when it is founded by force than that which is welded by affection.

- Terence

Mistake, Established, Which, Affection

I am a man, and whatever concerns humanity is of interest to me.

- Terence

I Am, Me, Interest, Concerns

Riches get their value from the mind of the possessor; they are blessings to those who know how to use them, and curses to those who do not.

- Terence

Blessings, Mind, Use, Curses

Extreme law is often extreme injustice.

- Terence

Law, Injustice, Often, Extreme

Fortune favors the brave.

- Terence

Fortune, Favors, Brave

This I consider to be a valuable principle in life: Do no thing in excess.

- Terence

Principle, Consider, Thing, Excess

There is a demand in these days for men who can make wrong appear right.

- Terence

Men, Days, Right, Appear

Nowadays those are rewarded who make right appear wrong.

- Terence

Right, Nowadays, Rewarded, Appear

I do not give money for just mere hopes.

- Terence

Money, Give, Mere, Hopes

She ne'er was really charming till she died.

- Terence

She, Died, Till, Charming

I take it to be a principle rule of life, not to be too much addicted to any one thing.

- Terence

Rule, Principle, One Thing, Addicted

Perhaps believing in good design is like believing in God, it makes you an optimist.

- Terence

Design, Like, Makes, Perhaps

So many men, so many opinions.

- Terence

Men, Many, Opinions

Their silence is praise enough.

- Terence

Silence, Enough, Praise

Many a time from a bad beginning great friendships have sprung up.

- Terence

Beginning, Bad, Sprung, Friendships

The anger of lovers renews their love.

- Terence

Love, Anger, Lovers

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