I’m continuously adding to the page of classical sources of the Milo stories and as I do so, the narrative of Milo as the big dumb jock is becoming more and more apparent. So far, in my reading, Cicero is the biggest proponent:

Whoever has a reasonable portion of strength, and exerts it to the best advantage will feel no great need of more. Milo is said to have walked the race course at Olympia, carrying a live bull on his shoulders. Which would you rather have, strength like his, or a genius like that of Pythagora? Employ the boon of bodily vigor well while it remains; when it is gone, do not bewail it, unless indeed, young men should crave boyhood, and the middle-aged should covet youth. Cicero, Cato the Elder: Or, a Treatise on Old Age 10.33

While there may be young men out there who do not crave boyhood, I can guarantee that almost all middle-aged men covet youth at one point or another. Perhaps we shouldn’t, but I know I often do.

*As I work on this project, I intend to do individual posts on new quotes I add. All quotes will be archives on the main sources page.