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
safety danger
He is the furthest from danger, who is on his guard even when in safety.
thinking safe dangerous
Dangerous he who thinks it safe to die!
danger treats contempt
Danger comes on us more speedily when we treat it with contempt.
enemy dangerous despised
An enemy despised is the most dangerous of all enemies.
safety danger exposed
One is not exposed to danger who, even when in safety is always on their guard.
astonished cease choose chosen literature
In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others. We choose to love, we do not choose to cease loving.
death dreaded fear
The fear of death is more to be dreaded then fear itself.
condemned criminal judge
The judge is condemned when the criminal is acquitted
accept benefit freedom sell
To accept a benefit is to sell one's freedom
fate satisfied
Fate is not satisfied with inflicting one calamity.
pay value worth
Everything is worth what its purchaser will pay for it.
passed
Every day should be passed as if it were to be our last.
experiment hearts holy laws life measure opposition tried
Those who have never tried the experiment of a holy life measure the laws of God, not by their intrinsical goodness, but by the reluctancy and opposition which they find in their hearts
began friendship
A friendship that can end never really began