“quid Romae faciam? mentiri nescio; librum, si malus est, nequeo laudare et poscere; motus astrorum ignoro; funus promittere patris nec uolo nec possum; ranarum uiscera numquam inspexi; ferre ad nuptam quae mittit adulter, quae mandat, norunt alii; me nemo ministro fur erit, atque ideo nulli comes exeo tamquam mancus et extinctae corpus non utile dextrae.”
Analysis
In this quote from Juvenal, the speaker expresses a sense of moral integrity and individual autonomy. The speaker declares that they are unable to engage in deceit, praise a bad book, predict the movements of the stars, promise the funeral of their father, perform nefarious tasks for others, or act as an accomplice to a thief. This declaration highlights the speaker's refusal to compromise their values or engage in unethical behavior, even if it means standing alone. The speaker's steadfast commitment to integrity and personal freedom is evident throughout the quote.
Modern Relevance of Juvenal's Words
Juvenal's words serve as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in a world filled with deceit and manipulation. The sentiment of refusing to partake in dishonest actions and unethical behavior is as relevant today as it was in ancient Rome. Let's explore how Juvenal's words can still resonate with us in the modern world.
Example of Usage:
In this quote from Juvenal, the speaker discusses his inability to engage in dishonest behavior or deceitful actions.
“quid Romae faciam? mentiri nescio; librum, si malus est, nequeo laudare et poscere; motus astrorum ignoro; funus promittere patris nec uolo nec possum; ranarum uiscera numquam inspexi; ferre ad nuptam quae mittit adulter, quae mandat, norunt alii; me nemo ministro fur erit, atque ideo nulli comes exeo tamquam mancus et extinctae corpus non utile dextrae.” - Juvenal
Reflection Questions
When reading the quote from Juvenal, it prompts us to think about various aspects of life and introspect on our own beliefs and values. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
How do you handle situations where you are expected to lie or praise something you don't believe in?
Do you believe in the influence of astrology or do you rely more on fact-based evidence?
How do you approach difficult family situations, such as the prospect of a parent's funeral?
In what ways do you navigate moral gray areas, such as knowing about infidelity but being unsure how to act?
Have you ever faced pressure to act in a way that goes against your principles? How did you handle it?
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