Publilius Syrus

Publilius Syrus a Latin writer of mimes, flourished in the 1st century BC. He was a native of Syria and was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him.

• "No one knows what it is that he can do till he tries."
• "Familiarity breeds contempt."
• "It is a bad plan that cannot be altered."
• "It is only the ignorant who despise education."