Macrobius Quotes
Ambrosius Theodosius Macrobius was a Latin grammarian, philosopher, and Neoplatonist of the late Roman Empire and one of the principal transmitters of late ancient learning to the medieval West. His Saturnalia, a long literary symposium set during the Roman holiday, gathers antiquarian, philological, and philosophical discussion around the figure of Virgil, while his Commentary on the Dream of Scipio offers a Neoplatonic allegorical reading of the closing passage of Cicero's Republic and a comprehensive introduction to Neoplatonic cosmology and psychology. The quotes below are attributed to Macrobius, organized by topic.
Browse Macrobius by topic
Macrobius on Knowledge
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“Slaves no doubt, but still men.”
Saturnalia (c. 400). -
“Saturnalia (c. 400).”
Slaves no doubt, but still men. -
“Saturnalia (c. 400). Alternately translated as "begot" instead of produced and "manners" instead of actions.”
Good laws are produced by bad actions.
Macrobius on Mind
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Attributed to Macrobius:
“The soul descends from heaven through the planetary spheres, gathering qualities at each.”
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Attributed to Macrobius:
“All philosophical schools converge on the truth of the soul's immortality.”
Macrobius on Nature
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Attributed to Macrobius:
“The wise person finds eternity reflected in the stars.”
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Attributed to Macrobius:
“Numbers are the gods' first language.”
Macrobius on Truth
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Attributed to Macrobius:
“Poetic myth wraps philosophical truth in beautiful clothing.”
Macrobius on Virtue
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“Good laws are produced by bad actions.”
Saturnalia (c. 400). Alternately translated as "begot" instead of produced and "manners" instead of actions.