Questions & Answers about Quantum possum, libros veteres lego.
Here quantum means as much as or to the extent that.
Grammatically, it is the neuter singular form of quantus, but in this kind of expression it is used adverbially rather than as an ordinary adjective. So quantum possum means as much as I can.
This is a very common Latin way to express degree or extent.
Possum is the 1st person singular present indicative active of posse, meaning to be able or can.
So possum means I am able or simply I can.
In quantum possum, the sense is:
- as much as I can
- as far as I am able
Latin usually does not need a separate subject pronoun when the verb ending already shows the person.
Both possum and lego are 1st person singular, so Latin speakers automatically understand the subject as I.
If you added ego, it would not usually mean just I in a neutral way. It would add emphasis, something like:
- I can
- I read