Why people recommend it
Ovid: Ars Amatoria, Book III is a classical didactic text by the ancient Roman poet Ovid that offers advice on romance, relationships, and human nature. On No Stupid Questions, the hosts referenced the work during a discussion on ultimatums and common maxims, noting that a familiar proverb evolved directly from the poetry of Ovid, who wrote that the harvest is always more fruitful in another man's field. The podcast segment explored how this ancient observation serves as the intellectual precursor to modern sayings about desire and envy. Later in the series, the hosts revisited the book during a fact-check segment, confirming that the ancient Roman poet's writings provided the foundational imagery for idioms concerning human dissatisfaction. By connecting contemporary colloquialisms to classical literature, the discussions illuminate the enduring relevance of Ovid's psychological insights. The text remains a fascinating historical artifact that demonstrates how ancient writers observed the timeless complexities of interpersonal longing and the constant human tendency to look beyond what one already possesses.
Who recommended it
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“The original maxim evolved from 'The Art of Love' by the ancient Roman poet Ovid, who wrote, 'The harvest is always more fruitful in another man's field!'”
“The original maxim evolved from The Art of Love by the ancient Roman poet Ovid who wrote, the harvest is always more fruitful in another man's field!”