Pietro Aretino Quotes
Italian - Poet April 20, 1492 - October 21, 1556

I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself.
Pietro Aretino

I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.
Pietro Aretino

I keep my friends as misers do their treasure, because, of all the things granted us by wisdom, none is greater or better than friendship. Pietro Aretino

If you want to annoy your neighbors, tell the truth about them.
Pietro Aretino

I am a free man. I do not need to copy Petrarca or Boccaccio. My own genius is enough. Let others worry themselves about style, and so cease to be themselves. Without a master, without a model, without a guide, I go to work and earn my living, my well-being and my fame. Pietro Aretino

With a goose-quill and a few sheets of paper, I mock myself of the universe. They say I am the son of a courtesan; it may be so, but I have the heart of a King. I live free, I enjoy myself, I can call myself happy.
Pietro Aretino