Cicero

Map of Roman Empire Cicero was enough of a philosopher to understand “that the widespread belief in a god or gods is insufficient reason for accepting that they exist; and whether any deity does much for mortals he sometimes felt inclined to doubt, especially in bad times.”

Cicero Giving a Speech “Cicero used his knowledge of Greek to translate many of the theoretical concepts of Greek philosophy into Latin, thus translating Greek philosophical works for a larger audience. It was precisely his broad education that tied him to the traditional Roman elite.”

Cicero’s Stoic Ideal The true happiness sought through philosophy was the development of an inner life and character that could surmount the fortunes and twists of life.

Cicero on Reason “But what is more divine, I will not say in man only, but in all heaven and earth, than reason? And reason, when it is full grown and perfected, is rightly called wisdom. Therefore, since there is nothing better than reason, and since it exists both in man and God, the first common possession of man and God is reason.”

Cicero on Community “Another objection urges that one ought to take account of compatriots but not of foreigners. But people who put forward these arguments subvert the whole foundation of the human community - and its removal means the annihilation of all kindness, generosity, goodness and justice.”

Ancient Roman Ruins “More than any other Latin prose writer, more than any other Latin writer at all with the possible exception of Virgil, Cicero gathered up and passed on the best of the ancient world.”

Statue of Cicero in Rome “We owe him the terms quality, individual, vacuum, moral, property, induction, element, definition, difference, notion, comprehension, infinity, appetite, instance, science, image, species.”

Philosophy! “Philosophy is a physician of souls, takes away the load of empty troubles, sets us free from desires, banishes fears. Philosophy! Without you, what would I ever have amounted to, and what, indeed, would have become of all human life?”

Roman Ruins “As is my custom, I shall, at my own option and discretion, draw from the various sources in such measure and in such manner as shall suit my purpose.”

Summary “Cicero’s ideals do not dwell in Utopias, but in the real world. His treatises are for people who possess mature and independent minds, who have no desire to follow other minds slavishly, and who are compelled, in the course of their daily existences, to grapple with problems which are complex.”

Quotes “A happy life consists in tranquility of mind.”

Quotes “A happy life consists in tranquility of mind.” “He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.”

Quotes “A happy life consists in tranquility of mind.” “He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.” “He removes the greatest ornament of friendship, who takes away from it respect.”

Quotes “In so far as the mind is stronger than the body, so are the ills contracted by the mind more severe than those contracted by the body.”

Quotes “In so far as the mind is stronger than the body, so are the ills contracted by the mind more severe than those contracted by the body.” “Nature herself makes the wise man rich.”

Quotes “In so far as the mind is stronger than the body, so are the ills contracted by the mind more severe than those contracted by the body.” “Nature herself makes the wise man rich.” “Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide.”