But curb thou the high spirit in thy breast, for gentle ways are best, and keep aloof from sharp contentions.

Meaning of the quote

The quote is telling you to control your strong emotions and opinions, because it's better to be kind and avoid getting into heated arguments. Instead of getting angry or fighting with others, it's best to stay away from intense disagreements and stay calm.

About Homer

Homer was an ancient Greek poet who wrote the epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, which are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. He is considered one of the most influential and revered authors in history, and his works have inspired countless other works of art and literature over the centuries.

More about the author

More quotes from Homer

Two urns on Jove’s high throne have ever stood, the source of evil one, and one of good; from thence the cup of mortal man he fills, blessings to these, to those distributes ills; to most he mingles both.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

It is not good to have a rule of many.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Two friends, two bodies with one soul inspired.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Wise to resolve, and patient to perform.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other’s good, and melt at other’s woe.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

True friends appear less moved than counterfeit.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

But curb thou the high spirit in thy breast, for gentle ways are best, and keep aloof from sharp contentions.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Be still my heart; thou hast known worse than this.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

In youth and beauty, wisdom is but rare!

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

The difficulty is not so great to die for a friend, as to find a friend worth dying for.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Nothing shall I, while sane, compare with a friend.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Even were sleep is concerned, too much is a bad thing.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

For rarely are sons similar to their fathers: most are worse, and a few are better than their fathers.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and asks no omen, but his country’s cause.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Hateful to me as are the gates of hell, Is he who, hiding one thing in his heart, Utters another.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Hunger is insolent, and will be fed.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

A decent boldness ever meets with friends.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

How vain, without the merit, is the name.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Light is the task where many share the toil.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey

To have a great man for an intimate friend seems pleasant to those who have never tried it; those who have, fear it.

Homer

reputed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey