Petronius quotes

Petronius was a Roman courtier, satirist, and author, famously credited with writing the Satyricon. Known for his wit and refined taste, he became an influential figure in the court of Emperor Nero. He is remembered as the "arbiter of elegance" in ancient Rome and a pioneer of literary satire. Here are 15 of his quotes:

Beauty and wisdom are rarely conjoined.

Petronius

One good turn deserves another.

Petronius

A huge dog, tied by a chain, was painted on the wall and over it was written in capital letters ‘Beware of the dog.

Petronius

What power has law where only money rules?

Petronius

Education is a treasure.

Petronius

For I myself saw the Sibyl indeed at Cumae with my own eyes hanging in a jar; and when the boys used to say to her, "Sibyl, what do you want?"

Petronius

Not worth his salt.

Petronius

He has joined the great majority.

Petronius

Like master, like man.

Petronius

Mundus universus excercet histrioniam.

Petronius

We trained hard... but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

Petronius

A doctor is nothing more than consolation for the spirit.

Petronius

Primus in orbe deos fecit timor.

Petronius