The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus by Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus was a Roman poet and writer who wrote many moral sayings that have been widely quoted and admired for centuries. Appearing in numerous books, lectures, and advice columns, Publilius Syrus's moral sayings have become timeless pieces of wisdom.

Born around 85 BC, Publilius Syrus was a former slave from Syria who worked as a comic playwright in Rome. During his time in Rome, Syrus wrote close to 1000 Latin sayings, many of which were parables that provided moral advice. While it is unknown when exactly his work was published, much of it was compiled together in a book called Sententiae by an unknown editor sometime between the 5th and 10th centuries.

Publilius Syrus's moral sayings are often credited for inspiring proverb-like writings in the centuries that followed, particularly during the renaissance. Seemingly basic statements, like “A good reputation is more valuable than money”, might seem intuitive but in Syrus’s time, the observations of everyday life were often revelatory. To Syrus, these sayings were meant to guide people on their journey towards a better life.

Many of these sayings can be found in books, lectures and even online articles. For example, some of Publilius Syrus's most famous sayings are as follows:

"It is far more worthy to forgive than to punish."

"The spirit of truth and generosity are the foundation of true wisdom."

"Bad company corrupts good morals"

"Time discovers the truth."

"Wealth is the fruit of labor."

Many of Publilius Syrus's sayings focus on morality and virtue and often encourage readers to be honest, generous and fair in all circumstances. In one of his most memorable quotes, Syrus states, “A fool can make mistakes in a moment, which wise men must undo for a lifetime”.

This quote speaks to the value of caution and patience when making decisions, and reminds the reader of the significance of each action taken. Another iconic saying is, “A man is known by the company he keeps”, which alludes to the idea that the people someone chooses to associate with can ultimately define who they are.

Publilius Syrus also taught practicality in many of his sayings, particularly in the idea that a person should take actions to help them rise above their difficulties. “Troubles are usually the brooms and shovels that smooth the road to a person's success,” Syrus wrote. This quote encourages those feeling discouraged by a situation to use the hardships they’re facing today to jumpstart the journey to a better tomorrow.

The moral sayings of Publilius Syrus can be found through quotes books, lectures and online articles. His observations on daily life and experiences provide valuable insight about moral values and personal development. All of his sayings, which have endured for centuries, offer timeless words of wisdom that can help guide and inspire anyone looking for practical advice.