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Confined to common life thy numbers flow, And neither soar…

“Confined to common life thy numbers flow, And neither soar too high nor sink too low; There strength and ease in graceful union meet, Though polished, subtle, and though poignant, sweet; Yet powerful to abash the from of crime And crimson error's cheek with sportive rhyme. [Lat., Verba togae…” quote by Aulus Persius Flaccus
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“Confined to common life thy numbers flow, And neither soar too high nor sink too low; There strength and ease in graceful union meet, Though polished, subtle, and though poignant, sweet; Yet powerful to abash the from of crime And crimson error's cheek with sportive rhyme. [Lat., Verba togae sequeris, junctura callidus acri, Ore teres modico, pallentes radere mores Doctus, et ingenuo culpam defigere ludo.]”

Aulus Persius Flaccus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Balancing modesty and ambition yields strength; harmony in measured expression can counteract vice and error.

In simple terms: Moderation and harmony combat wrongdoing.

Key Takeaway

Embrace measured ambition and graceful expression.

Themes

moderation harmony virtue

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • ethical decision making
  • creative writing
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

Stoicism classical poetry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you find balance between humility and aspiration?
  • In what ways does measured expression influence moral choices?
A Different Perspective

Excessive restraint may stifle innovation.

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