Quintilian
The Quote in Other Words
Men, even when they are by themselves, alleviate their work by singing, no matter how unrefined the melody may be.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the innate human desire for companionship and the need to find ways to alleviate the burden of work. Even when alone, men turn to song as a means of lightening their labors. This suggests that music has a powerful effect on the human psyche, providing a sense of comfort and relief from the stresses of daily life.
Furthermore, the quote implies that music has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, as even the most rudimentary songs can bring people together. It speaks to the universality of music and its ability to connect people on a deeper level.
Overall, this quote underscores the importance of finding ways to alleviate the burden of work and the power of music in providing comfort and companionship, even in the most solitary of situations.