Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
It is the character of a brave and resolute man not to be ruffled by adversity and not to desert his post.
Interpretation
True bravery involves maintaining composure in difficult situations and staying committed to one’s responsibilities.
In this quote, Cicero emphasizes that a brave and determined individual remains steadfast when faced with challenges and does not abandon their duties. The essence of courage lies in resilience—facing adversity head-on and standing firm in one’s commitments, rather than succumbing to fear or pressure.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges at a corporate retreat.
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.
I've done truth to power all my life. It's got me into trouble, but who cares?
I'm not the sort to back away from a fight. I don't believe in shrinking from anything. It's not my speed; I'm a guy who meets adversities head on.
The thought that I might kill myself formed in my mind coolly as a tree or a flower.
I hope the strong women out there aren't quiet and they don't go away, because when people attack you for speaking, the best way to drive them nuts is to smile and carry on speaking, louder, more wisely, more intensely, more articulately than ever.
Please be peaceful. We believe in law and order. We are not advocating violence, I want you to love your enemies... for what we are doing is right, what we are doing is just -- and God is with us.
You cannot pass," he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass.
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