Change Quote by Horace
![“The lazy ox wishes for horse-trappings, and the steed wishes to plough. [Lat., Optat ephippia bos piger, optat arare caballus.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/960/horace-172_change_the-lazy-ox-wishes-for-horse-trappings-a_2102719.jpg)
“The lazy ox wishes for horse-trappings, and the steed wishes to plough. [Lat., Optat ephippia bos piger, optat arare caballus.]”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Odes, Book 1, 5, 1st century BC
The verse contrasts the lazy ox, which desires the trappings of a horse, with the horse that wants to work, highlighting the folly of wanting status without effort.
In simple terms: Wanting prestige without work is foolish.
Key Takeaway
Seek effort, not empty status symbols.
Themes
work ethic
ambition
status
nature
humor
Mood
ironic
thoughtful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career advice
- personal development
- education
- team dynamics
- leadership training
Key Concepts
virtue
idleness
role reversal
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people chase symbols of success without effort?
- How can societies value genuine contribution over appearance?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex motivations behind ambition.
![“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)
