Born Quote by Horace
“Mountains will go into labour, and a silly little mouse will be born.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Odes, Book 1, 5, 1st century BC
Exaggerated metaphor suggests that even the impossible can happen, like mountains birthing a mouse.
In simple terms: Even the impossible can occur in absurd ways.
Key Takeaway
Expect the unexpected in life.
Themes
impossibility
humor
paradox
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- philosophical discussion
- teaching absurdity
Key Concepts
mythical exaggeration
literary device
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this absurd image reveal about expectations?
- When do we accept impossible scenarios?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be too absurd to convey a clear point.
![“What will this boaster produce worthy of this mouthing? The mountains are in labor; a ridiculous mouse will be born. [Lat., Quid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu? Parturiunt montes; nascetur ridiculus mus.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f22/horace-172_boasters_what-will-this-boaster-produce-worthy-of_552304.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)
