Ovid: Power of Gifts to Captivate
on Monday, December 13, 2010Ovid Money Quotation saying gift giving has powerful effects on even the most powerful and omniscient. It sways all with unprecedented effect on men and even the mythical gods. Ovid said:
“Gifts, believe me, captivate both men and Gods, Jupiter himself was won over and appeased by gifts” — Ovid
Ovid is saying that gift giving has a powerful effect on people, even the most powerful ones. Jupiter was the king of the gods in Roman mythology. So Ovid is using Jupiter as an example – even he, the most powerful god, could be swayed and appeased by receiving gifts.
The quote suggests that gifts have an almost magical ability to please and influence people, no matter who they are. So the best interpretation is that Ovid saw gift giving as a very effective way to curry favor and influence with others.
Birthday: March 20, 43 BC – Death: 17 AD