Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
We should be as careful of our words as of our actions.
Interpretation
Words hold power and should be chosen with care, just like our actions.
This quote emphasizes the importance of being mindful about what we say, as our words can have significant consequences, similar to our actions. Cicero reminds us that communication is a powerful tool, and we must treat it with the same caution that we apply to our physical deeds, recognizing that both can impact others and shape our relationships and reputation.
In practice
During a public speaking event, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of thoughtful speech.
Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Never do things others can do and will do if there are things others cannot do or will not do.
There is a certain kind of maturity that can be attained only through the discipline of suffering.
We are all failures - at least the best of us are.
The only lies for which we are truly punished are those we tell ourselves.
In a controversy, the instant we feel anger, we have already ceased striving for truth and have begun striving for ourselves.
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