"Hope is the pillar that holds up the world. Hope is the dream of a waking man."
About Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder — Life and Legacy
Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, is best known for his monumental work 'Natural History.' This encyclopedic text, comprising 37 books, covers a vast array of topics, including botany, zoology, and mineralogy, reflecting his deep curiosity about the natural world. Pliny's approach was groundbreaking for its time, as he emphasized empirical observation and the systematic classification of knowledge. One of his notable quotes, 'In the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind,' encapsulates his belief in the importance of readiness and awareness in scientific discovery. This idea illustrates his view that knowledge is not merely about accumulation but also about the ability to seize opportunities for learning. Pliny challenged the prevailing notions of his era by advocating for a more rigorous and methodical approach to understanding nature. Today, Pliny's influence is evident in the foundations of modern science. His work not only documented the natural world but also inspired future generations to pursue knowledge through observation and inquiry. The relevance of his quotes and ideas continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring connection between humanity and the environment.
Quote collection
Pliny the Elder quotes (page 1 of 7)
131 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The feasant hens of Colchis, which have two ears as it were consisting of feathers, which they will set up and lay down as they list."
"It has become quite a common proverb that in wine there is truth (In Vino Veritas)."
"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."
"Why do we believe that in all matters the odd numbers are more powerful?"
"An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit."
"In these matters the only certainty is that nothing is certain."
"From the end spring new beginnings."
"Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures."
"In wine, there's truth."
"Home is where the heart is."
"Better do nothing than do ill."
"There is, to be sure, no evil without something good."
"There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil."
"Accustom yourself to master and overcome things of difficulty; for if you observe, the left hand for want of practice is insignificant, and not adapted to general business; yet it holds the bridle better than the right, from constant use."
"But with man, — by Hercules! most of his misfortunes are occasioned by man."
"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."
"Indeed, what is there that does not appear marvelous when it comes to our knowledge for the first time? How many things, too, are looked up on as quite impossible until they have been actually effected?"
"Contact with [menstrual blood] turns new wine sour, crops touched by it become barren, grafts die, seed in gardens are dried up, the fruit of trees fall off, the edge of steel and the gleam of ivory are dulled, hives of bees die, even bronze and iron are at once seized by rust, and a horrible smell fills the air; to taste it drives dogs mad and infects their bites with an incurable poison."
"Grief has limits, whereas apprehension has none. For we grieve only for what we know has happened, but we fear all that possibly may happen."