Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman, orator, lawyer, and philosopher, is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures of Roman antiquity. Born in 106 BCE, Cicero’s works and ideas have greatly influenced Western thought, particularly in the areas of law, politics, and philosophy. His eloquence, wisdom, and deep understanding of human nature continue to inspire individuals across the globe. In this article, we explore 47 of Cicero’s most memorable quotes—words that reflect his insights into justice, virtue, governance, and the human condition. These quotes stand the test of time, offering profound guidance for anyone interested in the pursuit of wisdom and a virtuous life.
47 Famous Cicero Quotes That Still Resonate Today
1. “The more laws, the less justice.”
2. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
3. “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
4. “The welfare of the people is the ultimate law.”
5. “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.”
6. “Freedom is a possession of inestimable value.”
7. “In times of war, the law falls silent.”
8. “The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.”
9. “It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are won, but by reflection, by study, and by reason.”
10. “What then is freedom? The power to do what we ought to do.”
11. “A friend is, as it were, a second self.”
12. “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it.”
13. “No man can be wise on an empty stomach.”
14. “Virtue is the only good.”
15. “Any man can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error.”
16. “Time destroys the speculation of the human mind, but it strengthens the knowledge of the wise.”
17. “Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.”
18. “While there’s life, there’s hope.”
19. “It is not enough to possess wisdom; it must be applied.”
20. “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”
21. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
22. “To suffer, it is part of the dignity of man.”
23. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
24. “The authority of those who teach is often an obstacle to those who want to learn.”
25. “Justice is the steady and continuous desire to render everyone his due.”
26. “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.”
27. “Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.”
28. “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
29. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
30. “It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life.”
31. “We are all more than our memories.”
32. “Freedom is the only law that we can afford.”
33. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
34. “What is morally wrong can never be advantageous, even when it seems to benefit the person involved.”
35. “The first step toward a good life is to define it.”
36. “We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.”
37. “It is not the absence of faults, but the willingness to correct them, that makes a man virtuous.”
38. “If you want to be loved, be lovable.”
39. “The mark of a good person is a sense of duty and justice.”
40. “To be a philosopher is to learn how to die.”
41. “Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”
42. “The state is a body of people, living together for the good of all.”
43. “The wise are indifferent to life’s difficulties.”
44. “Peace is the one condition of survival in the world.”
45. “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in overcoming it.”
46. “A man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary.”
47. “Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are allowed to look at the dance.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cicero’s words continue to serve as a guide to living a thoughtful and virtuous life. His quotes touch on the core principles of justice, wisdom, friendship, and virtue, which remain just as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. For anyone seeking to understand the nature of morality, governance, and human relationships, Cicero’s quotes offer an invaluable perspective. Whether contemplating the duties of a statesman, the importance of knowledge, or the value of friendship, Cicero’s wisdom reminds us of the enduring importance of integrity and virtue in all aspects of life.
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