Horace the Roman Poet Who Chose Simplicity Over City Life

Horace was a Roman poet who lived during a very interesting period in history. He witnessed the famous Battle of Actium and, like many others at the time, had to work hard just to survive. But his strong poetic talent soon attracted the attention of important figures in Rome.

One of those figures was a wealthy man named Maecenas. Maecenas became Horace’s close friend and offered him a countryside estate. This gift changed Horace’s life completely.

Finding Peace

The farm gave Horace something he hadn’t experienced before. It gave him time, peace and a quiet place far from the chaos of city life. With this new lifestyle, Horace began writing poetry that reflected on the differences between the city and the countryside.

He wrote satirical poems about the busy and unhealthy life in the city compared to the peaceful and simple life on his farm. He described how being surrounded by nature improved his health and brought him happiness. His writing often mocked the stress, gossip and sickness of urban living.

Careful Conversations

Even though Horace had powerful friends like Maecenas, he was careful about what he discussed with them. He didn’t feel he could fully trust Maecenas with personal topics. Instead, their conversations usually stayed on safe subjects like the weather or sports. Horace avoided politics completely.

When he was in the city, Horace felt that people always wanted something from him. The conversations there seemed shallow and tiring. In contrast, he believed that the topics discussed in the countryside were more meaningful and thoughtful.

The Town Mouse’s Offer

In one of his writings, Horace shared a fable told by a guest named Cervius. It was about a town mouse and a country mouse. The town mouse tried to convince his country friend to come to the city, enjoy rich food, and live a luxurious life. But the country mouse refused. He said that city life was too risky and preferred the safety and freedom of his quiet woodland home.

This fable, found in Horace’s Satires, reflects his own way of thinking. Even though it was told with humour, it clearly shows how much he valued a simple and peaceful life over power or wealth.

Life’s Lesson

Horace’s life and work remind that sometimes choosing peace and simplicity over wealth and power can lead to true happiness. His poems encourage thinking about what really matters, enjoying nature, meaningful friendships, and honest conversations. Even thousands of years later, his message about the value of a quiet and thoughtful life still speaks clearly.

References

The Open University 2016, educational resource, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, viewed 24 July 2025.