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He is armed without who is innocent within, be this thy screen, and this thy wall of brass.
Horace
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True strength comes from inner innocence and integrity rather than external defenses.

This quote by Horace emphasizes the importance of internal virtue and moral integrity as the most reliable form of protection. It suggests that a person's character and purity serve as a stronger shield than physical arms or defenses, advocating for the strength found in being innocent and virtuous in one's heart and mind.

Themes

StrengthInnocenceIntegrityProtectionWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about personal integrity and character.

More from Horace

Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things.
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Now 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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