Ovid

Metamorphoses

Ancient influential 162 sayings

Sayings by Ovid

Love is a kind of warfare.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on romantic struggle.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on opportunism.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The bold adventurer succeeds the best.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on audacity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on modernity.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on moderation.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The vulgar crowd values friends according to their usefulness.

8–12 CE — From 'Tristia', on friendship.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn.

8–12 CE — From 'Tristia', on creativity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on motivation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We are ever striving after what is forbidden, and coveting what is denied us.

16 BCE — From 'Amores', on desire.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Habits change into character.

8 CE — From 'Metamorphoses', on personal growth.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The bold lover is often successful where the timid one fails.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on romance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gods behold all things.

8 CE — From 'Metamorphoses', on divine omniscience.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The cause is hidden, but the effect is known.

8 CE — From 'Metamorphoses', on mystery.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The mind is a universe and can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.

8 CE — From 'Metamorphoses', on perception.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The workmanship was better than the material.

8 CE — From 'Metamorphoses', on craftsmanship.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The envious man grows lean at another's success.

16 BCE — From 'Amores', on jealousy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The lover is ever apprehensive.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on anxiety.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The timid lover is seldom successful.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on boldness.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The envious man is his own tormentor.

16 BCE — From 'Amores', on self-inflicted pain.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The lover is ever fearful.

2 CE — From 'Ars Amatoria', on paranoia.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable