Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Not to know what has been transacted in former times is to continue always a child.
Interpretation
Understanding history is essential for maturity and personal growth.
This quote by Cicero emphasizes the importance of knowledge and awareness of historical events in shaping one's character and intellect. He suggests that lacking this understanding keeps individuals in a juvenile state, unable to fully grasp the complexities of life and the lessons that history provides.
In practice
A teacher might use this quote to inspire students to appreciate historical studies.
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.
He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.
Everything's been said, but it needs saying again.
Keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life.
Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice. Therefore the Master remains serene in the midst of sorrow. Evil cannot enter his heart. Because he has given up helping, he is people's greatest help. True words seem paradoxical.
When I was a kid, nobody told me I was good-looking. I wish they had. I would've had a better time.
A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.
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