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Quote by Publilius Syrus

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Publilius Syrus
Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus was a Roman writer and moralist born around 85 BC in Syria. Originally a slave brought to Rome, he gained his freedom and became a celebrated playwright and author of witty maxims. He was renowned for his mimes (dramatic performances) and his collection of moral sayings, which were widely used in Roman education. Syrus's concise and insightful aphorisms covered topics ranging from ethics to everyday wisdom, making him one of the most influential literary figures of the Roman Republic. He died around 43 BC. more

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“Do you call yourselves Christians? Does then the religion of Him whom you call your Savior inspire your spirit, and guide your practices? Surely not. It is recorded of him that a bruised reed he never broke. Cease, then, to call yourselves Christians, lest you declare to the world your hypocrisy. Cease, too, to call other nations savage, when you are tenfold more the children of cruelty than they.”

“The recognized achievements of some Negroes, despite rigid racial barriers, indicate that society by its prejudices may be depriving itself of valuable contributions from many others. It is now doubtful whether America can afford the luxury of such a waste of human resources.”

“Cannot the nation that has absorbed ten million foreigners into its political life without catastrophe absorb ten million Negro Americans into that same political life at less cost than their unjust and illegal exclusion will involve?”

“I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their souls; the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of beauty and love.”