Publilius Syrus (circa 85 - 43 B.C.) was a Syrian slave who came to Rome, and was later freed. He became a famous mime (before mimes were required to be silent), and is known for a collection of wise-sounding sayings. He also won a mime contest against Gaius Lucilius.

Since his sayings were not collected until about 100 years after his death, it's not certain that he was indeed the originator of all of them.

AKA Publilii Syri Sententiae.


Amare et sapere vix deo conceditur
Even a god finds it hard to love and be wise at the same time.

Beneficium accipere libertatem est vendere
To accept a favor is to sell one's freedom.

Judet damnatur cum nocens absolvitur
A rogue acquitted is a judge condemned.

Ibi semper est victoria ubi concordia est
There is always victory when there is agreement.

Aut amat aut odit mulier; nil est tertium
A woman either loves or hates; there is no third.

Sine dolore est vulnus quod ferendum est cum victoria
A wound born in victory is a wound without pain.

Malum consilium quod mutari non potest
It is a bad plan that cannot be changed.

Mulier, cum sola cogitat, male cogitat
A woman, when she thinks alone, thinks badly.

(Some were wiser than others.)