In the 1959 film Ben-Hur, who told Judah Ben-Hur that "A grown man knows the world he lives in, and for the present, the world is Rome."?

This quote ("A grown man knows the world he lives in, and for the present, the world is Rome.") is part of a discussion that occurs between Judah Ben-Hur and Pontius Pilate. It transpires in a scene where Ben-Hur has to make a decision about how he will live his life. Will he live as a Roman or be Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince of Judea? He is Judah Ben-Hur!

When their meeting is almost over, Pilate says, "Young Arrius, I am sure, will choose it [Rome]." Ben-Hur says, "I am Judah Ben-Hur." (There is a long pause; Pilate turns and walks away a few steps, he gestures.) Pilate points out that he crossed the floor and spoke in friendship, as he would speak to Arrius. But as he goes up the stairs, he becomes the hand of Caesar and will crush anyone who challenges Rome.

He states, "there are too many men of envy and ambition who try to disrupt the government of Rome." Judah is now the victor and hero of Jerusalem. People look to him as "one true god". He is told, "If you stay here, you will find yourself part of this tragedy." Ben-Hur says, "I am already part of this tragedy." (He takes off Arrius' ring and asks Pilate to return it.) He continues, "I honor him too well to wear it any longer." Pilate takes the ring and says, "even for the sake of Arrius, I cannot protect you from personal disaster if you stay here. You are too great a danger." (He turns and walks up the stairs to the governor's throne). Pilate: "Leave Judea. You have my warning." (Ben-Hur exits.)