Cato the Elder Quotes

I begin to speak only when I'm certain what I'll say isn't better left unsaid.

Buy not what you want, but what you have need of; what you do not want is dear at a farthing.

Seize the thing, the words will follow.

I begin to speak only when I’m certain what I’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.

Rem tene, verba sequentur.

When you have decided to purchase a farm, be careful not to buy rashly; do not spare your visits and be not content with a single tour of inspection. The more you go, the more will the place please you, if it be worth your attention. Give heed to the appearance of the neighbourhood, - a flourishing country should show its prosperity. "When you go in, look about, so that, when needs be, you can find your way out."

The pursuits of commerce would be as admirable as they are profitable if they were not subject to so great risks: and so, likewise, of banking, if it was always honestly conducted. For our ancestors considered, and so ordained in their laws, that, while the thief should be cast in double damages, the usurer should make four-fold restitution.

Those who commit private theft pass their lives in confinement and fetters; plunderers of the public, in gold and purple.

Bitter are the roots of study, but how sweet their fruit.

A farm is like a man--however great the income, if there is extravagance but little is left.

Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise.

Save for...Caesar no one while sober and of sound mind has entered upon public affairs for the purpose of ruining the commonwealth.

Emas non quod opus est, sed quod necesse est. Quod non opus est, asse carum est.

The accounts of money, supplies and provisions should then be considered. The overseer should report what wine and oil has been sold, what price he got, what is on hand, and what remains for sale. Security should be taken for such accounts as ought to be secured. All other unsettled matters should be agreed upon. If any thing is needed for the coming year, it should be bought; every thing which is not needed should be sold. Whatever there is for lease should be leased.

If you are late in doing one thing you will be late in doing everything.