Hug the shore; let others try the deep.
VirgilRead
Others may fashion more smoothly images of bronze (I for one believe it), evoke living faces from marble, plead causes better, trace with a wand the wanderings of the heavens and foretell the rising of stars. But you, Roman, remember to rule the peoples with power (these will be your arts); impose the habit of peace, spare the vanquished and war down the proud!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of ruling with justice and compassion rather than just skill in the arts.
Virgil's quote speaks to the responsibilities of leadership, suggesting that while artistic and poetic accomplishments are admirable, the true essence of leadership lies in the ability to govern with strength and benevolence. It highlights that a ruler should focus on maintaining peace and treating the conquered with mercy, thereby promoting a just society over mere displays of power or artistic talent.
Themes
LeadershipPowerPeaceCompassionGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about ethical leadership.
More from Virgil
All quotes →Even virtue is fairer when it appears in a beautiful person.
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Happy the man who has been able to learn the causes of things.
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Endure the present, and watch for better things.
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Come what may, all bad fortune is to be conquered by endurance.
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Fear is proof of a degenerate mind.
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