Cato the Elder Quotes

Rem tene, verba sequentur.

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

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

All mankind rules its women, and we rule all mankind, but our women rule us.

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."

I would much rather have men ask why I have no statue, than why I have one.

Let us rise, my friends, and strive to fill,
This little interval, this pause of life
With resolution, friendship and Roman bravery.

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.

True fortitude is seen in great exploits,
That justice warrants, and that wisdom guides,
All else is towering frenzy and distraction.

These are the duties of the overseer: He should maintain discipline. He should observe the feast days. He should respect the rights of others and steadfastly uphold his own. He should settle all quarrels among the hands; If any one is at fault he should administer the punishment. He should take care that no one on the place is in want, or lacks food or drink; in this respect he can afford to be generous, for he will thus more easily prevent picking and stealing.

When you have arrived at your country house and have saluted your household, you should make the rounds of the farm the same day, if possible; if not, then certainly the next day. When you have observed how the field work has progressed, what things have been done, and what remains undone, you should summon your overseer the next day, and should call for a report of what work has been done in good season and why it has not been possible to complete the rest, and what wine and corn and other crops have been gathered.

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

Those who are serious in ridiculous matters will be ridiculous in serious matters.

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.