Nam petere imperium quod inanus nec datur umquam, atque in eo semper durum sufferre laborem, hoc est adverso nixantem trudere monte saxa quod tamen e summo iam vertice rursum volvitur et plani raptim petit aequora campi.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Seeking power that can never be held and enduring constant hard work is like pushing a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down.
- In plain terms
- Chasing impossible power is useless hard work that never ends.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid chasing unattainable power that requires endless struggle.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What goals feel impossible to reach?
- Is all hard work worth it?
Another view
Some struggle is necessary for meaningful achievement.
More from Lucretius
Cur non ut plenus vitae conviva recedis aequo animoque capis securam, stulte, quietem?
Permalink to quote #17 Nec prorsum vitam ducendo demimus hilum tempore de mortis nec delibare valemus.
Permalink to quote #19 Nil igitur mors est ad nos neque pertinet hilum, quandoquidem natura animi mortalis habetur.
Permalink to quote #16
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