13 Quotes & Sayings By Quintilian

Marcus Fabius Quintilianus (c. 35 – c. 100), was a Roman rhetorician who has been credited as one of the most skilled orators of his time, and he is widely considered to be the last great Roman orator. He was born in Italy at Cisalpine Gaul, now northern Italy Read more

He is reckoned one of the most important rhetoricians, with Clement of Alexandria and Isocrates, and has left many writings on rhetoric, but none that are now extant.

1
If you direct your whole thought to work itself none of the things which invade eyes or ears will reach the mind. Quintilian
2
A liar should have a good memory. Quintilian
3
The obscurity of a writer is generally in proportion to his incapacity. Quintilian
4
It is worth while too to warn the teacher that undue severity in correcting faults is liable at times to discourage a boy's mind from effort. Quintilian
5
Our minds are like our stomaches; they are whetted by the change of their food, and variety supplies both with fresh appetite. Quintilian
6
In almost everything, experience is more valuable than precept. Quintilian
7
While we are examining into everything we sometimes find truth where we least expected it. Quintilian
8
To my mind the boy who gives least promise is one in whom the critical faculty develops in advance of the imagination. Quintilian
9
The perfection of art is to conceal art. Quintilian
10
Nothing is more dangerous to men than a sudden change of fortune. Quintilian
11
When defeat is inevitable, it is wisest to yield. Quintilian
12
Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude it may be. Quintilian