The great business of man is to improve his mind, and govern his manners; all other projects and pursuits, whether in our power to compass or not, are only amusements.
PLINY THE ELDERAs touching peaches in general, the very name in Latine whereby they are called Persica, doth evidently show that they were brought out of Persia first.
More Pliny the Elder Quotes
-
-
Now, that the sovereign power and deity, whatsoever it is, should have regard of mankind, is a toy and vanity worthy to be laughed at.
PLINY THE ELDER -
It is a maxim universally agreed upon in agriculture, that nothing must be done too late; and again, that everything must be done at its proper season; while there is a third precept which reminds us that opportunities lost can never be regained.
PLINY THE ELDER -
Grief has limits, whereas apprehension has none. For we grieve only for what we know has happened, but we fear all that possibly may happen.
PLINY THE ELDER -
It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.
PLINY THE ELDER -
Why is it that we entertain the belief that for every purpose odd numbers are the most effectual?
PLINY THE ELDER -
Nothing which we can imagine about Nature is incredible.
PLINY THE ELDER -
The happier the moment the shorter.
PLINY THE ELDER -
Cats too, with what silent stealthiness, with what light steps do they creep up to a bird!
PLINY THE ELDER -
From the end spring new beginnings.
PLINY THE ELDER -
The agricultural population produces the bravest men, the most valiant soldiers,46 and a class of citizens the least given of all to evil designs.
PLINY THE ELDER -
Indeed, what is there that does not appear marvelous when it comes to our knowledge for the first time? How many things, too, are looked up on as quite impossible until they have been actually effected?
PLINY THE ELDER -
Nothing is more useful than wine for strengthening the body and also more detrimental to our pleasure if moderation be lacking.
PLINY THE ELDER -
Man is the only one that knows nothing, that can learn nothing without being taught. He can neither speak nor walk nor eat, and in short he can do nothing at the prompting of nature only, but weep.
PLINY THE ELDER -
Hope is a working-man’s dream.
PLINY THE ELDER -
A short death is the sovereign good hap of human life.
PLINY THE ELDER






