Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
Take away the danger and remove the restraint, and wayward nature runs free.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human nature is influenced by both danger and restraint, which control our instincts and actions.
This quote by Horace suggests that without the constraints of danger or societal rules, people will act according to their true, unrestrained nature. It touches on the inherent instincts within individuals and the balance between freedom and accountability in human behavior.
Themes
Human NatureFreedomRestraintBehaviorInstinct
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion about the impact of societal norms on personal behavior.
More from Horace
All quotes βNow is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.
HoraceRead
Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.
HoraceRead
It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.
HoraceRead
It is not the rich man you should properly call happy, _x000D_ but him who knows how to use with wisdom the blessings of the gods, _x000D_ to endure hard poverty, and who fears dishonor worse than death, _x000D_ and is not afraid to die for cherished friends or fatherland.
HoraceRead
Few cross the river of time and are able to reach non-being. Most of them run up and down only on this side of the river. But those who when they know the law follow the path of the law, they shall reach the other shore and go beyond the realm of death.
HoraceRead
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