Homer

“The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken.”

November 3, 2025 · 4 min read

VERIFIED

“The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken.”

  • Commonly attributed to: Homer
  • Actual source: Homer, Odyssey, Book 14, lines 463–466 (the disguised Odysseus speaking to Eumaeus). The familiar English wording is an anthology modernization of A.T. Murray’s 1919 Loeb Classical Library translation
  • Earliest verified appearance: c. 8th century BCE — Homer, Odyssey 14.463–466. A.T. Murray’s 1919 Loeb translation: “the wine bids me, befooling wine, which sets one, even though he be right wise, to singing and laughing softly… and brings forth a word which were better unspoken” — read Odyssey 14.463 (Perseus Digital Library)
  • Confidence: High · Last verified: July 2026

The verdict: Genuinely Homer — Odyssey Book 14, lines 463–466 — though the circulated wording is an unattributed anthology modernization of A.T. Murray’s 1919 Loeb translation.

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Nearly three millennia ago, the poet Homer captured a timeless human experience. He wrote, “wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile.” This observation from The Odyssey rings as true today as it did in ancient Greece. It speaks to the profound power of wine to alter our perceptions and behaviors. Furthermore, it reminds us that the line between joyful release and foolishness is often very thin. Why does this ancient insight continue to resonate in our modern world? The answer lies in wine’s enduring role as a social catalyst and a complex psychological agent. Understanding how “the wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a quote origin” reveals the depth of Homer’s wisdom about human nature.

Historians and scholars have extensively researched and documented this topic.

Understanding This Ancient Quote Origin

Source

The Echo from Ancient Greece

To fully appreciate Homer’s words, we must first understand wine’s place in his world. In ancient Greece, wine was not merely a beverage. It served as a cornerstone of culture, religion, and social life. The Greeks even worshipped Dionysus, the god of wine, revelry, and ecstasy. Consequently, wine consumption became a structured and often ritualized activity. The symposium, for example, was a gathering where men drank, conversed, and debated philosophy. Wine fueled these discussions, loosening tongues and encouraging creative thought. The phrase “the wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a quote origin” perfectly captures how participants experienced these transformative moments.

The Wine Urges Me On Analysis

However, the Greeks were also keenly aware of its dangers. They almost always mixed their wine with water, viewing the consumption of undiluted wine as barbaric and unwise. They understood the balance required to enjoy its benefits without succumbing to its negative effects. This cultural tension between wine as a source of inspiration and a cause of chaos is precisely what Homer’s quote encapsulates. It highlights the beverage’s ability to charm and disarm even the most disciplined minds, a truth that has not changed with time. When we examine “the wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a quote origin” through this historical lens, we recognize how the ancients grappled with the same contradictions we face today regarding alcohol’s role in society.

A Modern Social Lubricant

Fast forward to today, and we see Homer’s observations manifest in contemporary social practices. Wine continues to serve as a social lubricant at dinners, celebrations, and gatherings worldwide. People gather around wine to relax, celebrate, and connect with one another. The transformation that “the wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a quote origin” describes still occurs in modern contexts, whether at a casual dinner party or a formal event. Yet like the ancient Greeks, we too must navigate the delicate balance between enjoyment and excess. Wine remains a powerful agent that can inspire creativity and conversation, but it also carries risks if we fail to exercise restraint. Understanding this duality helps us appreciate why Homer’s ancient wisdom continues to guide our modern relationship with wine.

How This Quote Influences Modern Culture

Explore More About Homer

If you’re interested in learning more about Homer and his impact on history, here are some recommended resources:

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