Martial (c. 38 – c. 104 AD), known as Marcus Valerius Martialis, was a Roman poet from Hispania best known for his twelve books of Epigrams, published in Rome between AD 86 and 103. In these short, witty poems, he satirizes city life, the scandalous activities of his acquaintances, and romanticizes his youth. Considered the creator of the modern epigram, Martial’s work provides a vivid portrayal of Roman society, blending humor, criticism, and insight into human nature.
Pliny the Younger remarked after Martial’s death, “He was a man of an ingenious, sharp-tempered disposition, who had in his writings as much good nature as wit and pungency.”
Below, we list some words of wisdom from Martial.
“Tomorrow’s life is too late. Live today.”
“Be content with what you are, and wish not change; nor dread your last day, nor long for it.”
“Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.”
“Glory paid to our ashes comes too late.”
“There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.”
“Conceal a flaw, and the world will imagine the worst.”
“If fame is to come only after death, I am in no hurry for it.”
“Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and profusion debases the value of pearls no less than diamonds.”
“Life’s not just being alive, but being well.”
“You give me nothing during your life, but you promise to provide for me at your death. If you are not a fool, you know what I wish for!”
“Some good, some so-so, and lots plain bad: that’s how a book of poems is made, my Friend.”
“Whoever makes great presents, expects great presents in return.”
“He who refuses praise the first time that it is offered does so because he would hear it a second time.”
“The flaw which is hidden is deemed greater than it is.”
“Fortune gives too much to many, but to no one enough.”
“I do not hate the man, but his vices.”
“To the ashes of the dead glory comes too late.”
“Virtue extends our days: he lives beyond the allotted span who dies in his own lifetime.”
“Too late is tomorrow’s life; live thine today.”
“You complain, friend Swift, of the length of my epigrams — but you yourself write nothing. Yours are shorter.”
“If you want him to mourn, you had best leave him nothing.”
“Gifts are like hooks.”
“While you cannot resolve what you believe in, you will never learn to live well. And if you do not learn to live well, you will waste an entire lifetime.”
“He writes nothing whose writings are read by none.”
“Our days pass quickly on, each one flying after the next: Today we’ve seen nothing of, and yesterday’s already gone.”
“You puff the poets of other days, the living you deplore. Spare me the accolade: your praise is not worth dying for.”
“Joys do not stay, but take wing and fly away.”
“No man is born without faults.”
“Wine and women bring misery to men.”
“Neither fear your death’s day nor long for it.”
“One man has friends in proportion to his wealth, another because of his kindly affability.”
“Believe me, wise men don’t say ‘I shall live to do that’, tomorrow’s life is too late; live today.”
“Servitude and freedom are ever in opposition.”
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