One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no efficacy.
QUINTILIANOne thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no efficacy.
QUINTILIANConscience is a thousand witnesses.
QUINTILIANGive bread to a stranger, in the name of the universal brotherhood which binds together all men under the common father of nature.
QUINTILIANAlthough virtue receives some of its excellencies from nature, yet it is perfected by education.
QUINTILIANWe must form our minds by reading deep rather than wide.
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.
QUINTILIANIn a crowd, on a journey, at a banquet even, a line of thought can itself provide its own seclusion.
QUINTILIANVerse satire indeed is entirely our own.
QUINTILIANA liar must have a good memory.
QUINTILIANMen 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.
QUINTILIANWhile we are making up our minds as to when we shall begin. The opportunity is lost.
QUINTILIANThe prosperous can not easily form a right idea of misery.
QUINTILIANA great part of art consists in imitation. For the whole conduct of life is based on this: that what we admire in others we want to do ourselves.
QUINTILIANEverything that has a beginning comes to an end.
QUINTILIANSayings designed to raise a laugh are generally untrue and never complimentary. Laughter is never far removed from derision.
QUINTILIANIn almost everything, experience is more valuable than precept.
QUINTILIAN