Chance Quote by Horace
“How does it happen, Maecenas, that no one is content with that lot in life which he has chosen, or which chance has thrown in his way, but praises those who follow a different course? [Lat., Qui fit, Maecenas, ut nemo quam sibi sortem, Seu ratio dederit, seu fors objecerit, illa Contentus vivat? laudet diversa sequentes.]”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Odes, Book I, Ode 12, 23 BC
People often envy others' paths despite being satisfied with their own, driven by comparison and desire for novelty.
In simple terms: Envy makes us doubt our choices.
Key Takeaway
Accept your path, limit comparison.
Themes
envy
contentment
choice
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationship choices
- financial planning
- personal growth
Key Concepts
human nature
comparative satisfaction
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you compare your life to others?
- What would change if you stopped envying?
A Different Perspective
Comparison can inspire improvement but also cause unnecessary dissatisfaction.
![“No man was ever great without divine inspiration. [Lat., Nemo vir magnus aliquo afflatu divino unquam fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aab/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_divine_no-man-was-ever-great-without-divine-ins_920761.jpg)
![“No one can obtain from the Pope a dispensation for never dying. [Lat., Nemo impetrare potest a papa bullam numquam moriendi.]” quote by Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ada/thomas-a-kempis-721_death_no-one-can-obtain-from-the-pope-a-dispen_879180.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)
