Let us live, my Lesbia, and let us love. Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus
CatullusRead
To whom do I give my new elegant little book? Cui dono lepidum novum libellum?
Interpretation
The quote expresses the writer's desire to share his work with someone special, highlighting the importance of relationships in creativity.
Catullus poses a rhetorical question about whom he should give his newly crafted and elegant book. This reflects the intrinsic relationship between the act of creation and the desire for appreciation, suggesting that the value of art is often enhanced when shared with a loved one or a trusted friend. It also indicates the yearning for connection and acknowledgment in the creative process.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of community in the arts.
Let us live, my Lesbia, and let us love. Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus
Give me a thousand kisses, then a hundred, then a thousand more.
It is difficult to suddenly give up a long love. Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem
Godlike the man who_x000D_ sits at her side, who_x000D_ watches and catches_x000D_ that laughter_x000D_ which (softly) tears me_x000D_ to tatters: nothing is left of me, each time_x000D_ I see her.
Brother, hello and good-bye. Frater, ave atque vale
My mind's sunk so low, Claudia, because of you, wrecked itself on your account so bad already, that I couldn't like you if you were the best of women, -or stop loving you, no matter what you do.
In a memoir, your main contract with the reader is to tell the truth, no matter how bizarre.
One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows.
I have good reason to be content, for thank God I can read and perhaps understand Shakespeare to his depths.
Most American writers don't get asked their opinion on current affairs, whereas in Europe and England, we still do. There are writers here who are the most sophisticated commentators, but they're not asked. Like Don DeLillo, who sort of forecast most of the modern world before it happened.
At least half the mystery novels published violate the law that the solution, once revealed, must seem to be inevitable.
One was a book thief. The other stole the sky.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.