No poems can please for long or live that are written by water drinkers

No poems can please for long or live that are written by water drinkers

In the world of poetry, there have been many debates and discussions about what makes a great poet. One of the most famous poets to weigh in on this topic was Horace, a Roman poet and philosopher who lived during the first century BC. Horace believed that in order to create lasting and meaningful poetry, one must have a clear mind and a disciplined lifestyle. He famously stated, "No poems can please for long or live that are written by water drinkers."

At first glance, this statement may seem puzzling. Why would Horace believe that water drinkers are incapable of producing great poetry? To understand his reasoning, we must delve into the context of his time. In ancient Rome, water was often associated with simplicity and purity. Water was seen as a basic necessity of life, something that was essential for survival but lacked the richness and complexity of other beverages like wine.

Horace believed that in order to create truly great poetry, one must have a deep understanding of the complexities of life and human nature. He believed that poets who indulged in the simple pleasures of water were lacking in the experiences and insights necessary to create lasting works of art. In his view, poets who drank only water were denying themselves the opportunity to fully engage with the world around them and were therefore unable to produce poetry that would resonate with readers over time.

Furthermore, Horace believed that a disciplined lifestyle was essential for producing great poetry. He believed that poets must have a clear mind and a strong sense of self-control in order to channel their emotions and experiences into their work. By contrast, he saw water drinkers as lacking in discipline and self-control, as they were not indulging in the more refined and sophisticated pleasures of life.