Divine Nature gave the fields, human art built the cities.
Marcus Terentius VarroRead
The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine.
Interpretation
This quote suggests a balance in social gatherings, emphasizing moderation in the number of guests.
Marcus Terentius Varro's quote reflects the idea that a dinner gathering should be thoughtfully curated. It advises that the number of guests should align with the classical ideals represented by the Graces and the Muses, advocating for a range between three and nine attendees. This recommendation implies that social interactions benefit from both intimacy and a diverse but manageable group, which enhances the overall experience.
In practice
Using this quote to explain the ideal size for a dinner party during a planning meeting.
Taking the State wherever found, striking into its history at any point, one sees no way to differentiate the activities of its founders, administrators and beneficiaries from those of a professional-criminal class.
But her brain was not interested in the future. Loaded with the past and hungry for more, it left her no room to imagine, let alone plan for, the next day.
Our ancestor was an animal which breathed water, had a swim-bladder, a great swimming tail, an imperfect skull & undoubtedly was an hermaphrodite! Here is a pleasant genealogy for mankind.
I cannot affirm God if I fail to affirm man. Therefore, I affirm both. Without a belief in human unity I am hungry and incomplete. Human unity is the fulfillment of diversity. It is the harmony of opposites. It is a many-stranded texture, with color and depth.
The devil is always discovering something novel against the truth.
Then I repeated these words to my spirits: 'Leave me be; give me peace; and let me do the work of my life. I will never forget you.' Something about that incantation was particularly appealing to me. 'I will never forget you'-- as though one had to address the pride of the spirits, as though one wanted them to feel good about being exorcised.
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