Such is the audacity of man, that he hath learned to counterfeit Nature, yea, and is so bold as to challenge her in her work.
Pliny The ElderRead
It has become quite a common proverb that in wine there is truth (In Vino Veritas).
Interpretation
Wine can reveal honest truths in social settings.
The quote 'In Vino Veritas' suggests that when people consume wine, their true thoughts and feelings are more likely to surface. This idea implies that alcohol, while it can alter perception and judgment, also has the effect of lowering inhibitions, leading individuals to speak more freely and truthfully than they might otherwise.
In practice
During a wine tasting event, one might share this quote to encourage open discussion.
Such is the audacity of man, that he hath learned to counterfeit Nature, yea, and is so bold as to challenge her in her work.
The depth of darkness to which you can descend and still live is an exact measure of the height to which you can aspire to reach.
It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.
Of all wonders, this is among the greatest, that some fresh waters close by the sea spring forth as out of pipes: for the nature of the waters also ceaseth not from miraculous properties.
How innocent, how happy, how truly delightful, even, would life be if we were to desire nothing but what is to be found upon the face of the earth: in a word, nothing but what is provided ready to our hands!
Man has learned how to challenge both Nature and art to become the incitements to vice! His very cups he has delighted to engrave with libidinous subjects, and he takes pleasure in drinking from vessels of obscene form!
The longing of my heart is a fairy portrait of myself: I want to be pretty; I want to eliminate facts and fill up the gap with charms.
Be humble and you will remain entire. The sages do not display themselves, therefore they shine. They do not approve themselves, therefore they are noted. They do not praise themselves, therefore they have merit. They do not glory in themselves, therefore they excel.
You yourself may not be luminous, but you are a conductor of light.
I'd rather do a part because I want to, not because great things are expected of me.
Solitude is the best nurse of wisdom.
Rage is a powerful energy that with diligent practice can be transformed into fierce compassion. However much we disagree with our enemies, our task is to identify with them. They too feel justified in their point of view.
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