In this article, you will become reacquainted with some of the words of Julius Caesar, which are so well known , you may have never realized that they belonged to him. Also, you will learn a little more about the man who is quoted as saying “carpe diem” (“seize the day”).
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar (100 – 44 BC) is known as a Roman military and political leader, who gained a reputation as one of the most influential of men throughout world history. When scanning the history books, you will learn that he was instrumental in elevating the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Some of his famous quotes that you may have already became acquainted with includes:
1) “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered)
2) “The die is cast.”
3) “Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres.” (Gaul as a whole is divided into three parts.)
4) “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.”
5) “Et tu, Brute?” (You too, Brutus?)
Horace
Born Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Horace (65 – 8 BC) is the name that most people remember him by. During the time of Augustus, Horace was known as the most revered of Roman lyric poets. He is often considered by classicists as one of the greatest Latin poets of all time. You probably have come across some of Horace’s most well known words in the numerous Latin phrases that are still in use to this day. For instance, how many times have you heard carpe diem – “seize the day?”
When taking a look at the works of Horace, you will find that he followed the same measure as most poets, as his works were penned in Greek meter. He used the hexameter in his works, which was pretty easy to adapt to Latin. He also showcased more advanced measures, as seen in the Odes.
Examples of his works include Satirae 1; Epodes; Odes I, II, and III; Ars Poetica (The Epistle to the Pisones); Carmen Saeculare (Song of the Ages); and Carminum liber quartus (Odes IV). Some of the words of Horace from surviving works include:
“There is moderation in everything.” , from Satires
“Scholars dispute, and the case is still before the courts.” , from Ars Poetica
“I strive to be brief, and I become obscure.” , from Ars Poetica
“Tiresome, complaining, a praiser of past times.” , from Ars Poetica
“A poem is like a painting.” , from Ars Poetica
“We are just statistics, born to consume resources.” , from Epistles
“Not bound to swear allegiance to any master, wherever the wind takes me I travel as a visitor.” , from Epistles
“To have begun is half the job: be bold and be sensible.” , from Epistles
“Anger is a short madness.” , from Epistles
“You may drive out nature with a pitchfork, yet she’ll be constantly running back.” , from Epistles
“For it is your business, when the wall next door catches fire.” , from Epistles
“Skilled or unskilled, we all scribble poems.” , from Epistles
“Never despair.” , from Odes
“While we’re talking, envious time is fleeing: seize the day, put no trust in the future.” , from Odes
“Lovely and honorable it is to die for one’s country.” , from Odes
“Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: it’s good to be silly at the right moment.” , from Odes