Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
HoraceRead
One gains universal applause who mingles the useful with the agreeable, at once delighting and instructing the reader.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of balancing entertainment and education in writing.
Horace emphasizes that truly great writing is that which successfully combines both utility and enjoyment; it should not only convey important information or lessons but also engage and delight the audience. Such a combination of usefulness and agreeability leads to universal admiration and acclaim.
Themes
WritingEducationEntertainmentWisdomDelight
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a writing workshop to inspire participants to focus on both informative and enjoyable content.
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.
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