Cities Quote by Sallust
“That power of the Gods which orders for the good things which are not uniform, and which happen contrary to expectation, is commonly called Fortune, and it is for this reason that the Goddess is especially worshipped in public by cities; for every city consists of elements which are not uniform.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Work: “The Jugurthine War”, 1st century BC
Fortune, unpredictable and non‑uniform, is worshipped because cities consist of diverse, unequal elements.
In simple terms: Fortune’s randomness is revered.
Key Takeaway
Accept unpredictability in societal dynamics.
Themes
fortune
diversity
city
politics
religion
Mood
historical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- political strategy
- cultural festivals
- public policy
- community building
Key Concepts
Ancient history
political philosophy
theology
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief in Fortune shape civic behavior?
- What are the limits of attributing events to divine randomness?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on luck can undermine agency.
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