Ovid

Metamorphoses

Ancient influential 162 sayings

Sayings by Ovid

The best way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.

Uncertain — Ascribed, common proverb (often attributed to Wilde)
Humorous Unverifiable

There is no more unfortunate creature under the sun than a man who has an excellent wife, but does not know how to enjoy her.

Uncertain — Ascribed, common proverb
Humorous Unverifiable

The wounds of love can only be cured by him who inflicted them.

c. 2 CE — Remedia Amoris, line 11
Humorous Unverifiable

Either do not attempt at all, or else accomplish.

c. 2 CE — Ars Amatoria, Book 1, line 389
Humorous Unverifiable

My mind is fixed, I have no time for love.

c. 1 BCE — Amores, Book 2, Elegy 1, line 1
Humorous Unverifiable

The man who has experienced the most will be the wisest.

Uncertain — Ascribed, common proverb
Humorous Unverifiable

Happy is the man who has broken the chains of love, and has given up his heart to the gods.

c. 2 CE — Remedia Amoris, line 589
Humorous Unverifiable

The gods are on the side of the stronger.

Uncertain — Ascribed, common proverb
Humorous Unverifiable

He who is not afraid of death is immortal.

Uncertain — Ascribed, common proverb
Humorous Unverifiable

It is a fault to wish to be a faultless man.

Uncertain — Ascribed, common proverb
Humorous Unverifiable

Women are always asking for gifts.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', stereotyping women
Controversial Unverifiable

It is convenient that there be gods, and since it is convenient, let us believe there are.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', mocking religious piety
Controversial Unverifiable

Omnia mutantur, nihil interit (everything changes, nothing perishes).

c. 8 CE — Metamorphoses (Book 15, Line 165).
Philosophical Unverifiable

Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all.

c. 8 CE — Metamorphoses (Book 15, Line 149).
Philosophical Unverifiable

Be patient and tough; one day this pain will be useful to you. / Perfer et obdura, dolor hic tibi proderit olim.

c. 2 BCE — Ars Amatoria (Book 2, Line 177).
Philosophical Unverifiable

There is nothing constant in the universe. All ebb and flow, and every shape that's born, bears in its womb the seeds of change.

c. 8 CE — Metamorphoses (Book 15, Lines 177-179).
Philosophical Unverifiable

If you want to be loved, be lovable. / Ut ameris, amabilis esto.

c. 2 BCE — Ars Amatoria (Book 2, Line 107).
Philosophical Unverifiable

You can learn from anyone even your enemy. / Fas est ab hoste doceri.

c. 8 CE — Metamorphoses (Book 4, Line 428).
Philosophical Unverifiable

I am dragged along by a strange new force. Desire and reason are pulling in different directions. I see the right way and approve it, but follow the wrong.

c. 8 CE — Metamorphoses (Book 7, Lines 19-21), spoken by Medea.
Philosophical Unverifiable

As wave is driven by wave. And each, pursued, pursues the wave ahead, So time flies on and follows, flies, and follows, Always, for ever and new. What was before. Is left behind; what never was is now; And every passing moment is renewed.

c. 8 CE — Metamorphoses (Book 15, Lines 179-183).
Philosophical Unverifiable