A poet from the 1st century BC, Horace wrote “Odes” and “Satires” which discussed the way one should live their life and Horace’s own view on the gods. A common theme in “Odes,” was life and death, and how making it a top priority to store up riches for yourself is not ideal. Horace said that death would take everyone and equalize them in the end. Working too hard for wealth was futile, explaining that one should enjoy whatever they possess and take it easy one day at a time so they won’t be disappointed in the long term. Seeking tranquility was vital according to Horace who told of the “golden mean:” do not expect too much and you won’t be let down. 

Horace accepted Stoicism and Epicureanism. These philosophies instructed us to enjoy the bountiful aspects of life, and refrain from overdoing things. “Do not be too courageous, or cowardly, and do not be too rich or poor,” stated Horace. Obsessed with death, Horace called it “the great leveler.” Fortune played games with men, good times and bad times alternated. The gods chose this but are unpredictable, so Horace commanded not to worry about death since it is inevitable. Pursuing wealth and power is bad: “big trees fall in the wind.” In turmoil, Rome will be saved by Augustus, asserted Horace. Not being governed by ethics, history had no pattern, so good doesn’t always win, and bad doesn’t always lose. Horace believed that sanctions were random and are not based on punishment for wrongdoing. 

In the poem “Satires,” the poet began by saying that people who are discontent with their wealth and position complain, but never take action. Horace did not understand the quest for wealth, wondering what the point was of building up wealth for untrustworthy heirs. “The ant knows better, she consumes what she gathers.” Money doesn’t define a person and their character, an individual should set a limit to their own greed. Warning against being overcritical, Horace remarked that we should regard other’s faults as lightly as our own. Thinking of justice as flawed, Horace thought a punishment should fit the crime, “If you deny this, you deny Justice.” Although one would not be rewarded by the gods or fate for being righteous (positive sanctions are completely random), Horace wanted virtue to be recognized and vice to be lessened.