Quintus Ennius, born in 239 BC in Rudiae, Italy, is hailed as the founder of Roman literature.
His magnum opus, “Annales,” detailed Rome’s history and was esteemed until Virgil’s “Aeneid” superseded it.
Multilingual, Ennius spoke Oscan, Greek and Latin. Brought to Rome by the elder Cato, he was acquainted with notable Romans and was granted citizenship in 184 BC.
Of his “Annales,” only 600 lines survive, showcasing his claim of being a reincarnated Homer.
Famous for his tragedies adapted from Greek plays, he also crafted the “Saturae,” Rome’s unique literary genre.
Also, Ennius introduced spelling changes and Latin shorthand. Though celebrated by peers like Cicero, critiques arose in later periods and by the 5th century AD, Ennius’s works became scarce.
Below I have listed the top quotes by Quintus Ennius.
Top 5 Quintus Ennius Quotes
Don’t ask of your friends what you yourself can do. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men. ~ Quintus Ennius.
One man by delay restored the state, for he preferred the public safety to idle report. ~ Quintus Ennius.
One man by delaying saved the state for us. ~ Quintus Ennius.
They hate whom they fear. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Powerful Quintus Ennius Quotes
He whose wisdom cannot help him, gets no good from being wise. ~ Quintus Ennius.
A sure friend is known in unsure circumstances. ~ Quintus Ennius.
A true friend is a friend when in difficulty. ~ Quintus Ennius.
The ape, vilest of beasts, how like to us. ~ Quintus Ennius.
That is true liberty, which bears a pure and firm breast. ~ Quintus Ennius.
A true friend is tested in adversity. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Famous Quintus Ennius Quotes
Let no one pay me honor with tears, nor celebrate my funeral rites with weeping. ~ Quintus Ennius.
The idle mind knows not what it wants. ~ Quintus Ennius.
No one regards what is before his feet; we all gaze at the stars. ~ Quintus Ennius.
He hath freedom whoso beareth a clean and constant heart within. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Whom men fear they hate, and whom they hate, they wish dead. ~ Quintus Ennius.
How can life be worth living, if devoid Of the calm trust reposed by friend in friend? What sweeter joy than in the kindred soul, Whose converse differs not from self-communion? ~ Quintus Ennius.
A true friend is distinguished in the crisis of hazard and necessity; when the gallantry of his aid may show the worth of his soul and the loyalty of his heart. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Best Quintus Ennius Quotes
The wise man is wise in vain who cannot be wise to his own advantage. ~ Quintus Ennius.
The victor is not victorious if the vanquished does not consider himself so. ~ Quintus Ennius.
The Roman state stands by ancient customs, and its manhood. ~ Quintus Ennius.
To open his lips is crime in a plain citizen. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Ennius was the father of Roman poetry, because he first introduced into Latin the Greek manner and in particular the hexameter metre. ~ Quintus Ennius.
Here is he laid to whom for daring deed, nor friend nor foe could render worthy meed. ~ Quintus Ennius.
He who civilly shows the way to one who has missed it, is as one who has lighted another’s lamp from his own lamp; it none the less gives light to himself when it burns for the other. ~ Quintus Ennius.
I never indulge in rhyme or stanza Unless I’m in bed with the influenza. ~ Quintus Ennius.
O friend unseen, unborn, unknown, Student of our sweet English tongue, I never indulge in poetics – Unless I am down with rheumatics. ~ Quintus Ennius.
So these were the 30 famous quotes about Quintus Ennius.
If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other posts on Quinn Cummings quotes and Quincy Jones quotes.
