Quintilian (marcus Fabius Quintilian) Quotes

One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance
of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no more

One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance
of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no efficacy.
[Lat., Illud tamen in primis testandum est, nihil praecepta atque
artes valere nisi adjuvante natura.]

For it would have been better that man should have been born
dumb, nay, void of all reason, rather more

For it would have been better that man should have been born
dumb, nay, void of all reason, rather than that he should employ
the gifts of Providence to the destruction of his neighbor.
[Lat., Mutos enim nasci, et egere omni ratione satius fuisset,
quam providentiae munera in mutuam perniciem convertere.]

Where evil habits are once settled, they are more easily broken
than mended.
[Lat., Frangas enim, citius quam more

Where evil habits are once settled, they are more easily broken
than mended.
[Lat., Frangas enim, citius quam corrigas quae in pravum
induerunt.]

In almost everything, experience is more valuable than precept.
[Lat., Nam in omnibus fere minus valent praecepta quam
more

In almost everything, experience is more valuable than precept.
[Lat., Nam in omnibus fere minus valent praecepta quam
experimenta.]

To swear, except when necessary, is becoming to an honorable man.
[Lat., In totum jurare, nisi ubi necesse est, more

To swear, except when necessary, is becoming to an honorable man.
[Lat., In totum jurare, nisi ubi necesse est, gravi viro parum
convenit.]

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty.
[Lat., Difficultas patrocinia praeteximus segnitiae.]

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty.
[Lat., Difficultas patrocinia praeteximus segnitiae.]

Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a
character. Sow a character more

Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a
character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.

Everything that has a beginning comes to an end.
[Lat., Deficit omne quod nascitur.]

Everything that has a beginning comes to an end.
[Lat., Deficit omne quod nascitur.]

Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude
it may be.
[Lat., Etiam singulorum fatigatio more

Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude
it may be.
[Lat., Etiam singulorum fatigatio quamlibet se rudi modulatione
solatur.]

For comic writers charge Socrates with making the worse appear
the better reason.
[Lat., Nam et Socrati objiciunt more

For comic writers charge Socrates with making the worse appear
the better reason.
[Lat., Nam et Socrati objiciunt comici, docere eum quomodo
pejorem causam meliorem faciat.]