Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Freedom suppressed and again regained bites with keener fangs than freedom never endangered.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Regaining freedom after oppression is more impactful than never experiencing danger to freedom.
This quote by Cicero emphasizes that when freedom is taken away and then restored, it is appreciated more deeply than freedom that has never been threatened. The 'keener fangs' metaphor suggests that the pain of loss enhances the joy and value of regained freedom, highlighting the importance of experiencing and valuing liberty.
Themes
FreedomOppressionValueLibertyAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for human rights, one could use this quote to emphasize the value of freedom after oppression.
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.
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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.
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