A laugh, if purchased at the expense of propriety, costs too much.

Quote by Marcus Fabius Quintilian

Topics: Marcus Fabius Quintilian Quotes

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty.

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty.

Everything that has a beginning comes to an end.

Everything that has a beginning comes to an end.

The perfection of art is to conceal art.

The perfection of art is to conceal art.

Vain hopes are like certain dreams of those who wake.

Vain hopes are like certain dreams of those who wake.

That which prematurely arrives at perfection soon perishes.

That which prematurely arrives at perfection soon perishes.

Our minds are like our stomaches; they are whetted by the change of their food,...

Our minds are like our stomaches; they are whetted by the change of their food,...

In almost everything, experience is more valuable than precept.

In almost everything, experience is more valuable than precept.

Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.

Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.

God, that all-powerful Creator of nature and architect of the world, has impressed man with...

God, that all-powerful Creator of nature and architect of the world, has impressed man with...

It is fitting that a liar should be a man of good memory.

It is fitting that a liar should be a man of good memory.

A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.

A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.

The prosperous can not easily form a right idea of misery.

The prosperous can not easily form a right idea of misery.

The pretended admission of a fault on our part creates an excellent impression.

The pretended admission of a fault on our part creates an excellent impression.

For comic writers charge Socrates with making the worse appear the better reason.

For comic writers charge Socrates with making the worse appear the better reason.

To swear, except when necessary, is becoming to an honorable man.

To swear, except when necessary, is becoming to an honorable man.

Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude it may be.

Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude it may be.

He who speaks evil only differs from his who does evil in that he lacks...

He who speaks evil only differs from his who does evil in that he lacks...

Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.

Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.

While we are making up our minds as to when we shall begin. the opportunity...

While we are making up our minds as to when we shall begin. the opportunity...

Nothing is more dangerous to men than a sudden change of fortune.

Nothing is more dangerous to men than a sudden change of fortune.