Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.
QUINTILIANA 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.
More Quintilian Quotes
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Conscience is a thousand witnesses.
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The gifts of nature are infinite in their variety, and mind differs from mind almost as much as body from body.
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Consequently the student who is devoid of talent will derive no more profit from this work than barren soil from a treatise on agriculture.
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Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.
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That which offends the ear will not easily gain admission to the mind.
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Virtue, though she gets her beginning from nature, yet receives her finishing touches from learning.
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Usage is the best language teacher.
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Those who wish to appear learned to fools, appear as fools to the learned.
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A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.
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When defeat is inevitable, it is wisest to yield.
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That which prematurely arrives at perfection soon perishes.
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One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no efficacy.
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A liar should have a good memory.
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Vain hopes are like certain dreams of those who wake.
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While we ponder when to begin, it becomes too late to do.
QUINTILIAN






