Eye Quote by Plautus
“One eye-witness is of more weight than ten hearsays. Those who hear, speak of shat they have heard; whose who see, know beyond mistake. [Lat., Pluris est oculatus testis unus, quam auriti decem. Qui audiunt, audita dicunt; qui vident, plane sciunt.]”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Comedy of Plautus, 2nd century BC
Direct experience is more reliable than second‑hand reports.
In simple terms: Seeing is believing, hearing is less trustworthy.
Value firsthand observation over gossip.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal testimony
- journalism
- research
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust a witness?
- How do you verify second‑hand information?
Firsthand accounts can be biased or limited.