Skip to content

Mediocrity Quote by Horace

“Mediocrity is not allowed to poets, either by the gods or men.” quote by Horace
Download Open image
“Mediocrity is not allowed to poets, either by the gods or men.”

Horace

About This Quote

Source Poem: Odes, Book I, 1.11 (c. 23 BC)

Poets must strive for excellence; mediocrity is unacceptable to both divine and human judges.

In simple terms: Poets must avoid mediocrity.

Key Takeaway

Pursue artistic excellence.

Themes

art excellence creativity

Mood

inspirational determined

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • creative professions

Key Concepts

poetic standards divine judgment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does one balance artistic perfection with realistic limits?
  • What role do external expectations play in creative output?
A Different Perspective

Creative work faces practical constraints.

5.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Horace

Explore all 1,000 Horace quotes

More Mediocrity quotes

Browse all 929 Mediocrity quotes