Character Quote by Horace
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Odes, Book 1, 7 (c. 23 BC)
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.
![“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)
