Buried Quote by Horace
![“Excellence when concealed, differs but little from buried worthlessness. [Lat., Paullum sepultae distat inertiae Celata virtus.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/509/horace-172_buried_excellence-when-concealed-differs-but-li_1843093.jpg)
“Excellence when concealed, differs but little from buried worthlessness. [Lat., Paullum sepultae distat inertiae Celata virtus.]”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Odes, Book I, 23 (Latin), 23rd century BC
Hidden excellence is nearly as worthless as concealed worthlessness; true value must be visible.
In simple terms: Hidden talent is as bad as none.
Key Takeaway
Make your virtues known.
Themes
virtue
visibility
selfexpression
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- leadership
- artistic creation
- public service
Key Concepts
classical ethics
personal reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we conceal our best qualities?
- How can we encourage authentic expression?
A Different Perspective
People may hide strengths out of modesty or fear.
![“Virtue knowing no base repulse, shines with untarnished honour; nor does she assume or resign her emblems of honour by the will of some popular breeze. [Lat., Virtus repulse nescia sordidae, Intaminatis fulget honoribus; Nec sumit aut ponit secures Arbitrio popularis aurae.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/117/horace-172_assuming_virtue-knowing-no-base-repulse-shines-wi_2769467.jpg)
![“Modest fame is not to be despised by the highest characters. [Lat., Modestiae fama neque summis mortalibus spernenda est.]” quote by Tacitus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e80/tacitus-1552_character_modest-fame-is-not-to-be-despised-by-the_2563060.jpg)
![“In a moment comes either death or joyful victory. [Lat., Horae Momento cita mors venit aut victoria laeta.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a43/horace-172_death_in-a-moment-comes-either-death-or-joyful_17189.jpg)
![“Neither men, nor gods, nor booksellers' shelves permit ordinary poets to exist. [Lat., Mediocribus esse poetis Non homines, non di, non concessere columnae.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd4/horace-172_booksellers_neither-men-nor-gods-nor-booksellers-she_23851.jpg)
