"The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine"

This quote by Marcus Terentius Varro is suggesting that the perfect number of guests at a supper need to be between 3 and nine. This is likely a referral to the Graces and Muses, two groups of goddesses in Greek folklore. The Graces were three goddesses of beauty, beauty, and imagination, while the Muses were 9 goddesses of the arts and sciences. By recommending that the number of guests at dinner must not be less than the variety of the Graces nor go beyond that of the Muses, Varro is recommending that the ideal variety of guests must be someplace in between.

This quote is likely a reference to the significance of balance and moderation in life. By suggesting that the number of visitors must not be too few or too many, Varro is suggesting that balance is key. Too couple of visitors could result in a dull environment, while a lot of might lead to mayhem. By suggesting that the number of visitors should be in between 3 and nine, Varro is suggesting that the ideal number of guests must suffice to create a dynamic environment, however not numerous that it becomes frustrating.

This quote is a reminder that balance is key in all elements of life. Too much of anything can be damaging, while insufficient can be similarly harmful. By recommending that the number of visitors at dinner must not be less than the variety of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, Varro is recommending that balance is type in all elements of life.