Horace Vice Quotations

I will perform the function of a whetstone, which is about to restore sharpness to iron, though itself unable to cut. [Lat., Fungar vice cotis, acutum Reddere quae ferrum valet, exsors ipsi secandi.]

Change generally pleases the rich. [Lat., Plerumque gratae divitibus vices.]

A portion of mankind take pride in their vices and pursue their purpose; many more waver between doing what is right and complying with what is wrong.

Whatever advice you give, be short.

In giving advice I advise you, be short.

Whatever your advice, make it brief.

Virtue consists in fleeing vice.

A good scare is worth more than good advice.

In avoiding one vice fools rush into the opposite extreme.

In vain will you fly from one vice if in your wilfulness you embrace another.

Virtue consists in avoiding vice, and is the highest wisdom. [Lat., Virtus est vitium fugere, et sapientia prima.]

Most virtue lies between two vices.

No one is born without vices, and he is the best man who is encumbered with the least.

Superfluous advice is not retained by the full mind.

We are more speedily and fatally corrupted by domestic examples of vice, and particularly when they are impressed on our minds as from authority.