By Virgil
A refutation of Lucretius’ skepticism and praise of piety, critique of Lucretius’ pacifism and advocacy of militant patriotism, an argument against Lucretius’ appreciation of pleasure and promotion of discipline and asceticism; The Aeneid gave legitimacy to the new government of Augustus and became a foundation for Roman nationalism. In many respects this book represents Virgil selling out to political and personal expediency. He deeply regretted this and his dying wish was that it be burned. Instead though, it became the Roman national epic, the standard text used in schools and memorized by students, a foundation for the rise of Christianity, and a bedrock for western civilization.
“Ah, merciless Love, is there any length to which you cannot force the human heart to go?”
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“Do the gods light this fire in our hearts or does each man's mad desire become his god?”
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“Endure the hardships of your present statel Live, and reserve yourselves for better fate... Endure the hardships of your present state, live, and reserve yourselves for better fate... Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them.”
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“Fickle and changeable always is woman.”
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“Go no further down the road of hatred.”
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“No other evil we know is faster than Rumor, small and timid at first, then borne on a light air, she flits over ground while hiding her head on a cloud-top.”
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“The attempts to heal enflame the fever more.”
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“the descent to hell is easy (facilis descensus Averno)”
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“The gates of hell are open night and day;
Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:
But to return, and view the cheerful skies,
In this the task and mighty labor lies.”
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“They can because they think they can... Fortune favors the bold.”
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“To what extremes won't you compel our hearts, you accursed lust for gold?”
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“What a tale he's told, what a bitter bowl of war he's drunk to the dregs.”
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