Commissatio Quotes & Sayings

Wine was served during the meal (rich and heavy, it was usually diluted with water), but the real drinking began once the food had been cleared away. This was the commissatio - a ceremonial drinking competition at which goblets had to be drained in a single gulp. Healths were drunk. This was the time for conversation and debate, which might last well into the evening, and was the Roman equivalent to the Greek symposium. — Anthony Everitt

The heart's smiles help wipe away the soul's tears. — Matshona Dhliwayo

Men ought to be most annoyed by the sufferings which come from their own faults. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

He continued along the route that he had reconnoitered the morning before. And the morning before that. He needed to change his route some to see if he was actually being followed. His instincts said he was clear, but his training ordered him to make sure. — J.T. Patten

The worst part of great poverty is that you become blind to it. — Rohinton Mistry

She reeks of sadness, of indecision and guilt. And desire, of course. It's even stronger than yours. — Julie Kagawa

It's mind control, see. You have to go to school, get those exams, get to university or college, get a job, get married, don't miss the boat, do it now or you'll shoot your life down the drain. Yeah. They got you as soon as you were born. They never risked a second of your life. When you have kids they'll be telling them they have to wear a plastic mask and put a penny in the slot about their nose before they can breathe in. — Melvin Burgess

She didn't even know how dangerous the truth could be, all the tiny, shattering seeds it carried. — Sue Monk Kidd