Despised Quote by Horace
“Let him who has once perceived how much that, which has been discarded, excels that which he has longed for, return at once, and seek again that which he despised.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Odes, Book 1, line 23, c. 23 BC
Recognize that what you once rejected may be superior to what you desired, and revisit it promptly.
In simple terms: Discarded things can be better than long‑yearned ones.
Key Takeaway
Reassess past dismissals quickly.
Themes
self‑reflection
value
desire
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal relationships
- consumer choices
- creative projects
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What have you dismissed that might be valuable?
- How can you test the true worth of a past desire?
A Different Perspective
Bias toward novelty can blind us to hidden worth.
![“He despises what he sought; and he seeks that which he lately threw away. [Lat., Quod petit spernit, repetit quod nuper omisit.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/horace-172_change_he-despises-what-he-sought-and-he-seeks_938950.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)
