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About this quote

What does it mean?
I will not swear to a master's words; I am a guest carried by the storm, and I must be delayed.
In plain terms
Do not bind yourself to authority; circumstances may force you to pause.
What can you take from it?
Stay flexible and independent of rigid vows.

Where it applies

  • career negotiations
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • avoid blind allegiance
  • adapt to changing conditions

Questions to consider

  • When is loyalty valuable?
  • How to balance independence with responsibility?

Another view

Sometimes commitment builds trust.

More from Horace

  1. Pulvis et umbra sumus.

    Permalink to quote #17

  2. Virtus est vitium fugere et sapientia prima stultitia caruisse.

    Permalink to quote #19

  3. Exegi monumentum aere perennius

    Permalink to quote #16

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