Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
The man is either mad, or he is making verses.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that dedication to poetry or art can seem irrational to others.
Horace's quote highlights the fine line between creativity and madness, implying that artists may be perceived as eccentric or irrational due to their obsession with creating poetry. This reflects the deep emotional and psychological commitment that artists often invest in their craft, which might be misunderstood by those who do not share the same passion.
Themes
MadnessCreativityArtPoetryDedication
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the relationship between creativity and mental health.
More from Horace
All quotes βNow is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.
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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.
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It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.
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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.
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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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