Quintilian

In writing are the roots, in writing are the foundations of eloquence; by writing resources are stored up, as it were, in a sacred repository, when they may be drawn forth for sudden emergencies, or as circumstances require.

Quintilian

It is fitting that a liar should be a man of good memory.

Quintilian

It is the nurse that the child first hears, and her words that he will first attempt to imitate.

Quintilian

It is worth while too to warn the teacher that undue severity in correcting faults is liable at times to discourage a boy’s mind from effort.

Quintilian

It seldom happens that a premature shoot of genius ever arrives at maturity.

Quintilian

Men of quality are in the wrong to undervalue, as they often do, the practice of a fair and quick hand in writing; for it is no immaterial accomplishment.

Quintilian

Men, even when alone, lighten their labors by song, however rude it may be.

Quintilian

Nature herself has never attempted to effect great changes rapidly.

Quintilian

One thing, however, I must premise, that without the assistance of natural capacity, rules and precepts are of no efficacy.

Quintilian

Reading is the least laborious of all the tasks that fall to the student’s lot.

Quintilian