Source edition
Horace, Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica. Fairclough, H. Rushton (Henry Rushton), editor. London: William Heinemann Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1929.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a philosophical collection of poems in which Horace explores how to attain true happiness and peace of mind (ataraxia) through the format of letters addressed to his friends and patrons. Moving away from conventional genres like epic and love poetry, the author writes to various individuals, including his patron Maecenas and Emperor Augustus, in an intimate and occasionally humorous tone. In the first book, contrasting the secular madness of pursuing wealth and fame with quiet country life, such as at his Sabine farm, he preaches the value of independence and the importance of moderation in social relationships. The second book shifts its focus to literary criticism, wherein he critiques the blind worship of archaic literature, asserts the social role of the poet, and reflects on his own transition from creative writing to philosophical contemplation. Ultimately, the work concludes that one must abandon attachment to transient possessions and instead cultivate inner harmony and the wisdom of knowing when to gracefully step back from life.
Contents
29 chunks
Cited by book.poem.line
- §1.1.1-1.1.54
- §1.1.55-1.1.108
- §1.2.1-1.2.71
- §1.3.1-1.3.36
- §1.4.1-1.4.16
- §1.5.1-1.5.31
- §1.6.1-1.6.68
- §1.7.1-1.7.98
- §1.8.1-1.8.17
- §1.9.1-1.9.13
- §1.10.1-1.10.50
- §1.11.1-1.11.30
- §1.12.1-1.12.29
- §1.13.1-1.13.19
- §1.14.1-1.14.44
- §1.15.1-1.15.46
- §1.16.1-1.16.79
- §1.17.1-1.17.62
- §1.18.1-1.18.56
- §1.18.57-1.18.112
- §1.19.1-1.19.49
- §1.20.1-1.20.28
- §2.1.1-2.1.67
- §2.1.68-2.1.134
- §2.1.135-2.1.203
- §2.1.204-2.1.270
- §2.2.1-2.2.71
- §2.2.72-2.2.145
- §2.2.146-2.2.216