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Art Quote by Ovid

“From high Meonia's rocky shores I came, Of poor decsent, Acoetes is my name, My sire was measly born: no oxen ploughed, His fruitful fields, nor in his pastures lowed, His whole estate within the waters lay' With lines and hooks he caught the finny prey; His art was all his livelehood, which he…” quote by Ovid
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“From high Meonia's rocky shores I came, Of poor decsent, Acoetes is my name, My sire was measly born: no oxen ploughed, His fruitful fields, nor in his pastures lowed, His whole estate within the waters lay' With lines and hooks he caught the finny prey; His art was all his livelehood, which he Thus with his dying lips bequeathed to me: In streams, my boy, and rivers take thy chance; There swims', said he, Thy whole inheritance.”

Ovid

About This Quote

Source Poem: Metamorphoses, Book 8, 8th century BC

A fisherman recounts his humble origins and the sea’s bounty, urging his son to seize opportunities in nature’s flow.

In simple terms: Embrace humble roots and seize natural chances.

Key Takeaway

Live with the currents.

Themes

humility nature opportunity

Mood

inspirational reflective

Type

mythic advice

When to use this quote

  • fishing
  • career choices
  • life decisions

Key Concepts

mythology self-reliance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you honor your origins while pursuing growth?
  • What “currents” guide you today?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing hardship can ignore systemic barriers.

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