Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom enables us to differentiate right from wrong.
This quote by Cicero conveys the essence of wisdom as the ability to discern between good and evil. It emphasizes that true wisdom lies not just in knowledge, but in the moral judgments and ethical decisions that guide our actions in life.
Themes
WisdomGoodEvilDiscriminationEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about ethical decision-making in business, I might say, 'As Cicero stated, the function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.'
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
All quotes βThose wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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
Similar quotes
I learned at Yale, one of the biggest lessons was to learn how special I am and therefore how totally unspecial I am. I was special among everyone else who was special. The fact that we're all so individual and that's what makes us special.
Lupita Nyong'ORead
Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits.
Fulton J. SheenRead
The pain of severe depression is quite unimaginable to those who have not suffered it.
William StyronRead
Guilt is only another way of avoiding informed action.
Audre LordeRead
By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom is that needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities.
SocratesRead
Everyone is influenced by everybody but you bring it down home the way you feel it.
Thelonious MonkRead