Cotidiano sermone quaedam frequentius et notabiliter usurpasse eum, litterae ipsius autographae ostentant, in quibus identidem, cum aliquos numquam soluturos significare vult, 'ad Kalendas Graecas soluturos' ait; et cum hortatur ferenda esse praesentia, qualiacumque sint: 'contenti simus hoc Catone'.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- In daily speech he was often used, his own letters show, where he would say 'we will pay on the Greek Kalends' to indicate never paying, and urged presence, saying 'we are content with this Cato'.
- In plain terms
- He frequently avoided payment and claimed contentment with a Cato‑like stance.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of empty promises and false contentment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do leaders use evasive language about payment?
- How does invoking historical figures influence persuasion?
Another view
The phrase 'Greek Kalends' is obscure to modern readers.
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