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Quote by Pliny the Elder

“Compassion and shame come over one who considers how precarious is the origin of the proudest of living beings: often the smell of a lately extinguished lamp is enough to cause a miscarriage. And to think that from such a frail beginning a tyrant or butcher may be born! You who trust in your physical strength, who embrace the gifts of fortune and consider yourself not their ward but their son, you who have a domineering spirit, you who consider yourself a god as soon as success swells your breast, think how little could have destroyed you!”

Quote by Pliny the Elder

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Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder

Pliny the Elder was a Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher, renowned for his comprehensive work 'Natural History'. Born in 23 AD, he was a member of the Roman nobility and held various public offices, including military and administrative roles. His encyclopedic work is a cornerstone of classical literature, offering extensive insights into the natural world, including geography, botany, zoology, and human history. Tragically, Pliny the Elder perished in 79 AD during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. more

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Book:The Spirit of Liberty: Papers and Addresses
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