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quid Romae faciam? mentiri nescio; librum, si malus est…

“quid Romae faciam? mentiri nescio; librum, si malus est, nequeo laudare et poscere; motus astrorum ignoro; funus promittere patris nec uolo nec possum; ranarum uiscera numquam inspexi; ferre ad nuptam quae mittit adulter, quae mandat, norunt alii; me nemo ministro fur erit, atque ideo nulli comes…” quote by Juvenal
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““quid Romae faciam? mentiri nescio; librum, si malus est, nequeo laudare et poscere; motus astrorum ignoro; funus promittere patris nec uolo nec possum; ranarum uiscera numquam inspexi; ferre ad nuptam quae mittit adulter, quae mandat, norunt alii; me nemo ministro fur erit, atque ideo nulli comes exeo tamquam mancus et extinctae corpus non utile dextrae.””

Juvenal

About This Quote

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

The speaker mocks pretentiousness, ignorance, and moral decay, listing absurd grievances to highlight societal hypocrisy.

In simple terms: A satirical rant exposing hypocrisy and foolishness.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and avoid empty pretensions.

Themes

satire hypocrisy social critique absurdity

Mood

critical ironic contemplative

Type

literary satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • public speaking
  • literary analysis
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

moral decay pretentiousness self‑contradiction

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern situations reflect these absurd complaints?
  • How does humor reveal deeper truths?
A Different Perspective

Satire can alienate if taken literally.

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