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About this quote

What does it mean?
It is difficult to speak properly about common things.
In plain terms
Describing ordinary matters well is hard.
What can you take from it?
Simple topics can be tricky to articulate.

Where it applies

  • teaching basics
  • writing everyday stories
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • use concrete examples
  • avoid over‑complicating

Questions to consider

  • When have you struggled to explain something simple?
  • How can you make ordinary topics engaging?

Another view

The statement may underestimate the value of clear, simple language.

More from Horace

  1. Si vis me flere, dolendum est primum ipsi tibi.

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. Brevis esse laboro, obscurus fio.

    Permalink to quote #36

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