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About this quote

What does it mean?
He who mixes the useful with the sweet delights the reader and teaches at once.
In plain terms
Combining utility with pleasure educates and entertains.
What can you take from it?
Blend practicality and enjoyment for effective communication.

Where it applies

  • writing tutorials
  • marketing copy
  • teaching

Putting it to work

  • add enjoyable anecdotes to instructional material

Questions to consider

  • What makes learning enjoyable for you?
  • How can you balance fun and function?

Another view

What useful‑sweet mix may not suit all audiences.

More from Horace

  1. Parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. Ars longa, vita brevis.

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. Difficile est proprie communia dicere.

    Permalink to quote #38

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