Populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo, a Latin phrase attributed to the Roman poet Horace, encapsulates his attitude towards public opinion. This phrase, meaning “Let the people hiss at me, I applaud myself,” reflects Horace’s belief in the importance of self-approval over external validation.
Horace, a prominent figure in the Augustan era of Roman literature, lived during a time of great social and political upheaval. His works offer valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual landscape of his time.
Historical Context
The Roman Empire during the time of Horace was a period of significant political and social change. The reign of Augustus Caesar brought relative peace and stability after decades of civil war, but it also marked the end of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the empire.
Horace was a prominent poet and public figure during this period. He was born into a wealthy family and received a privileged education. He fought on the side of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi, but after their defeat, he was pardoned by Augustus and returned to Rome.
Horace’s poetry reflects the social and political context of his time. He was a supporter of Augustus and his regime, but he also criticized the excesses and corruption of Roman society.
Meaning and Interpretation of “Populus Me Sibilat at Mihi Plaudo”
The phrase “Populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo” literally means “The people hiss at me, but I applaud myself.”
Metaphorically, the phrase can be interpreted as a statement of self-confidence and independence. Horace is saying that he does not care what other people think of him, because he is confident in his own worth.
The phrase also reflects Horace’s attitude towards public opinion. He believed that the opinions of the masses were often fickle and unreliable. He preferred to rely on his own judgment and to live according to his own values.
Use of the Phrase in Horace’s Works
Horace uses the phrase “Populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo” in several of his poems.
In the poem “Odes,” he writes:
Populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudoIpse domi simul ac nummos contemplor in arca.
In this poem, Horace is saying that he does not care what the people think of him, because he is content with his own wealth and possessions.
In the poem “Epistles,” he writes:
Populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudoVirtutem meam qui laudat ullus ab incepto Desisto tamquam improbus.
In this poem, Horace is saying that he will continue to pursue virtue, even if it means being unpopular with the people.
Literary and Artistic Representations
The phrase “Populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo” has been used in literature, art, and other creative works for centuries.
In the play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, the character of Polonius quotes the phrase when he is advising his son, Laertes, on how to behave in court.
This above all: to thine own self be true,And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.
In the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, the character of Lord Henry Wotton quotes the phrase when he is talking to Dorian about the importance of living according to one’s own desires.
The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.
Relevance and Impact
The phrase “Populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo” is still relevant today.
It is a reminder that we should not be afraid to be ourselves, even if it means being unpopular with others.
The phrase has also been used to express similar sentiments in different contexts.
For example, it has been used by activists and protesters to express their defiance of authority.
It has also been used by artists and writers to express their independence from the mainstream.
FAQ
What is the literal meaning of populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo?
Let the people hiss at me, I applaud myself.
Who is the author of the phrase populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo?
Horace
In what context did Horace use the phrase populus me sibilat at mihi plaudo?
To express his indifference to public opinion and his belief in the importance of self-approval.
