The ape, vilest of beasts, how like to us!
• As quoted by Cicero in De Natura Deorum, Book I, Chapter XXXV
• As quoted by Cicero in De Natura Deorum, Book I, Chapter XXXV
“
Simia quam similis turpissima bestia nobis!
• Variant translation: How like us is that ugly brute, the ape!
— Ennius
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Simia quam similis turpissima bestia nobis!
• Variant translation: How like us is that ugly brute, the ape!" in the context of "The ape, vilest of beasts, how like to us!
• As quoted by Cicero in De Natura Deorum, Book I, Chapter XXXV" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Ennius" (Quotes)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
About Ennius
Quintus Ennius (239 B.C. – 169 B.C.) was a writer during the period of the Roman Republic, and is often considered the father of Roman poetry. Although only fragments of his works survive, his influence in Latin literature was significant.
About Ennius
Quintus Ennius (239 B.C. – 169 B.C.) was a writer during the period of the Roman Republic, and is often considered the father of Roman poetry. Although only fragments of his works survive, his influence in Latin literature was significant.
View all quotes →