Quotes from Pliny the Younger's Letters, Book V
Ah, so blogging won't be a light as threatened earlier. These quotes from Book V of the younger Pliny's letters:
- There are “two reasons for reading in public; the reader is made more keenly critical of his own work if he stands in some awe of his audience, and he has kind of expert opinion to confirm his decision on any doubtful point. He receives suggestions from different members, and, failing this, he can infer their various opinions from their expressions, glances, nods, applause, murmurs and silence, signs which make clear the distinction between their critical judgement and polite assent. And then if any of the company is interested in reading what he has heard, he will realize that I shall have made certain alterations or omissions which may perhaps accord with his opinion, although this was never actually expressed.”
- “Death always seems to me cruel and untimely when it comes to those who are engaged on some immortal work, for when people abandon themselves to pleasure and live from day to day, their reasons for living are finished as each day comes to an end; but for those who think of posterity and seek to be remembered for their works, death is always sudden as it always cuts short some unfinished project.”
- “Oratory and poetry win small favour unless they reach the highest standard of eloquence, but history cannot fail to give pleasure however it is presented. Humanity is naturally inquisitive, and so factual information, plain and unadorned, has it attraction for anyone who can enjoy small talk and anecdote.”
- “Right and wrong intentions are praised and blamed only insofar as their results are good or bad – that is generally accepted practice, though it is none the less unfair. Hence it generally happens that the self-same actions are variously ascribed to zeal, conceit, independence, or folly.”
