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I praise her (Fortune) while she lasts; if she shakes her…

“I praise her (Fortune) while she lasts; if she shakes her quick wings, I resign what she has given, and take refuge in my own virtue, and seek honest undowered Poverty.” quote by Horace
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“I praise her (Fortune) while she lasts; if she shakes her quick wings, I resign what she has given, and take refuge in my own virtue, and seek honest undowered Poverty.”

Horace

About This Quote

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

The poet praises fleeting fortune, then vows to rely on personal virtue and accept honest poverty when fortune fades.

In simple terms: Rely on virtue, not fleeting luck.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner virtue over external wealth.

Themes

virtue fortune poverty self‑reliance

Mood

reflective philosophical

Type

contemplative ethical

When to use this quote

  • financial instability
  • career setbacks
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Stoicism ethical living

Questions to Reflect On

  • What is the balance between virtue and material security?
  • Can one truly thrive without external support?
A Different Perspective

Virtue alone may not meet basic survival needs.

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