Applause Quote by Aulus Persius Flaccus
“Lives there the man with soul so dead as to disown the wish to merit the people's applause, and having uttered words worthy to be kept in cedar oil to latest times, to leave behind him rhymes that dread neither herrings nor frankincense.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Satire, Book 1, 1st century AD
It condemns those who reject striving for merit and leave behind meaningless words.
In simple terms: Rejecting effort leads to empty legacy.
Key Takeaway
Seek purpose and merit in your actions.
Themes
virtue
legacy
authenticity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- career
- personal reputation
Key Concepts
Stoicism
Roman poetry
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize merit or applause?
- How can you ensure your work endures?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone values merit over fame.
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![“Let them (the wicked) see the beauty of virtue, and pine at having forsaken her. [Lat., Virtutem videant, intabescantque relicta.]” quote by Aulus Persius Flaccus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f52/aulus-persius-flaccus-19303_beauty_let-them-the-wicked-see-the-beauty-of-vi_659961.jpg)
![“Retire within thyself, and thou will discover how small a stock is there. [Lat., Tecum habita, et noris quam sit tibi curta supellex.]” quote by Aulus Persius Flaccus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e36/aulus-persius-flaccus-19303_character_retire-within-thyself-and-thou-will-disc_874474.jpg)
![“All the shows we did pre-airdate, and I'd come out - "Rob Lowe!" - and it was [Offers bored applause.] After the show aired? I came out - "Rob Lowe!" - and the place was, like, bedlam. And then the next week, they wouldn't let anyone under the age of 20 into the audience. And I'm going, "So that's…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/rob-lowe-855_age_all-the-shows-we-did-pre-airdate-and-i-d_31307.jpg)
