Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus, was a Latin writer, best known for his sententiae. He was a Syrian who was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him. Publilius' name, due to early medieval palatalization of 'l' between two 'i's, is often presented by manuscriptsin corrupt form as 'Publius'...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionWriter
wish pretext
He who wishes to injure another, will soon find a pretext.
wise future men
The wise man guards against the future as if it were the present.
silent
I have often regretted having spoken, never having kept silent
journey length companion
A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey.
tree elm-trees pears
You should go to a pear tree for pears, not to an elm.
fashion vices flattery
Flattery was formerly a vice; it has now become the fashion.
opportunity glowing civilization
You should hammer your iron when it is glowing hot.
medicine entrepreneur calamity
Equanimity is calamity's medicine.
wise latin complicated-relationship
The gods never let us love and be wise at the same time.
favors return comeback
The person who receives the most favors is the one who knows how to return them.
sage doe profit
He is a despicable sage whose wisdom does not profit himself.
projects plans multitudes
Amid a multitude of projects, no plan is devised.
over-you empires great-empires
Would you have a great empire? Rule over yourself.
evil want bent
He who is bent on doing evil can never want occasion.