Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
What does it avail you, if of many thorns only one be removed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Removing only one problem does not significantly change the overall situation.
This quote by Horace suggests that merely addressing a single issue, when many others remain unaddressed, does little to improve one's circumstances. It highlights the importance of tackling problems comprehensively rather than making superficial changes that do not lead to meaningful progress.
Themes
ProblemsThornsIssuesWisdomChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about effective management strategies, one might say, 'What does it avail you, if of many thorns only one be removed?', to stress the need for comprehensive solutions.
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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Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
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Pleasure puts you to sleep and pain wakes you up. If you don't want to suffer, don't go to sleep.
Sri Nisargadatta MaharajRead
After meditating for some years, I began to see the patterns of my own behavior. As you quiet your mind, you begin to see the nature of your own resistance more clearly, struggles, inner dialogues, the way in which you procrastinate and develop passive resistance against life. As you cultivate the witness, things change. You don't have to change them. Things just change.
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