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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker urges love while we can because life is short and death is permanent.
In plain terms
Love now because we die soon.
What can you take from it?
Life is short so love now.

Where it applies

  • romance
  • philosophy
  • parting

Putting it to work

  • express love openly
  • cherish moments

Questions to consider

  • Why wait to show love?
  • Does knowing we die change how we live?

Another view

This is a classic Latin trope with specific cultural context.

More from Gaius Valerius Catullus

  1. Per caputque pedesque.

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  2. Sed mulier cupido quod dicit amanti in vente et rapida scribere oportet aqua

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Odi et amo. quare id faciam, fortasse requiris. nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior.

    Permalink to quote #4

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