A man who tries to surpass another may perhaps succeed in equaling in not actually surpassing him, but one who merely follows can never quite come up with him: a follower, necessarily, is always behind.
QUINTILIANThough ambition may be a fault in itself, it is often the mother of virtues.
More Quintilian Quotes
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A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.
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Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude it may be.
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For the mind is all the easier to teach before it is set.
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A Woman who is generous with her money is to be praised; not so, if she is generous with her person.
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Nature herself has never attempted to effect great changes rapidly.
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That which offends the ear will not easily gain admission to the mind.
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Men of quality are in the wrong to undervalue, as they often do, the practise of a fair and quick hand in writing; for it is no immaterial accomplishment.
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It is easier to do many things than to do one thing continuously for a long time.
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To swear, except when necessary, is becoming to an honorable man.
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Too exact, and studious of similitude rather than of beauty.
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Our minds are like our stomaches; they are whetted by the change of their food, and variety supplies both with fresh appetite.
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Though ambition in itself is a vice, yet it is often the parent of virtues.
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As regards parents, I should like to see them as highly educated as possible, and I do not restrict this remark to fathers alone.
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One should aim not at being possible to understand, but at being impossible to misunderstand.
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Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.
QUINTILIAN






