Cicero Quotes

Although in one point the circumstances of foreign triumph are better than those of domestic victory; because foreign enemies, either if they be crushed become one's servants, or if they be received into the state, think themselves bound to us by obligations; but those of the number of citizens who become depraved by madness and once begin to be enemies to their country, — those men, when you have defeated their attempts to injure the republic, you can neither restrain by force nor conciliate by kindness.

"I conclude, then, that the plea of having acted in the interests of a friend is not a valid excuse for a wrong action. . . . We may then lay down this rule of friendship — neither ask nor consent to do what is wrong. For the plea "for friendship's sake" is a discreditable one, and not to be admitted for a moment."

The welfare of the people is the highest law

We are all servants of the laws in order to be free

quasi bonis et fortibus et magno animo praeditis ulla sit ad rem publicam adeundi causa iustior, quam ne pareant inprobis neve ab isdem lacerari rem publicam patiantur

A man of faith is also full of courage

The brief arc of our days,
O Sestius,
prevents us from launching
prolonged hopes.

Almost no one dances sober, unless he is insane.

Rashness is truly the fruit of youth, but wisdom of old age.

Nos autem beatam vitam in animi securitate et in omnium vacatione munerum ponimus.

Es absolutamente precisa la guarda y conservación del propio carácter, el cultivo de las buenas cualidades que poseemos (...). De nada sirve obrar en desacuerdo con la naturaleza y perseguir objetivos que nos son inaccesibles. (...) Nada es más conveniente que obrar siempre en consonancia con el propio carácter, y esto no se puede alcanzar si, imitando el carácter de los demás, renunciamos al propio. (...) Que cada persona conozca bien su propia índole y juzgue con rigor lo que tiene de bueno y de malo. (...)

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquities.

La conducta privada de un hombre no puede ser separada de su conducta pública; son dos caras de una misma moneda.

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But still anger ought be far from us, for nothing is able to be done rightly nor judiciously with anger.