Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder
Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Elder, was a Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher, as well as naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire, and personal friend of the emperor Vespasian...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionAuthor
eye farming masters
The master's eye is the best fertilizer.
men two littles
The human features and countenance, although composed of but some ten parts or little more, are so fashioned that among so many thousands of men there are no two in existence who cannot be distinguished from one another.
men heaven mind
The world, and whatever that be which we call the heavens, by the vault of which all things are enclosed, we must conceive to be a deity, to be eternal, without bounds, neither created nor subject at any time to destruction. To inquire what is beyond it is no concern of man; nor can the human mind form any conjecture concerning it.
men water substance
All men possess in their bodies a poison which acts upon serpents; and the human saliva, it is said, makes them take to flight, as though they had been touched with boiling water. The same substance, it is said, destroys them the moment it enters their throat.
pay ridiculous affair
It is ridiculous to suppose that the great head of things, whatever it be, pays any regard to human affairs.
profit folly plans
The best plan is to profit by the folly of others.
book can-not
There is no book so bad that some good can not be got out of it,
wise wisdom all-time
No one is wise at all times.
novelty human-nature humans
Human nature is fond of novelty.
science earth remains
It [the earth] alone remains immoveable, whilst all things revolve round it.
wine vino
In wine there is health (In vino sanitas)
causes moral adaptation
....shellfish are the prime cause of the decline of morals and the adaptation of an extravagant lifestyle.
reflection judgment buyers
A dear bargain is always disagreeable, particularly as it is a reflection upon the buyer's judgment.
cat light bird
Cats too, with what silent stealthiness, with what light steps do they creep up to a bird!