Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men's [children's] minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conciseness in instruction helps retention and understanding.
This quote by Cicero emphasizes the importance of brevity in teaching or instructing others. It suggests that when conveying information, especially to children, one should aim to be as succinct as possible; excessive words can overwhelm the listener and dilute the message, causing them to forget what they've learned.
Themes
InstructionBrevityLearningUnderstandingCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher might use this quote during a professional development workshop to emphasize effective teaching strategies.
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
All quotes →Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
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Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
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Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
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No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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