The history of Rome presents various men of greater genius than Scipio Aemilianus, but none equalling him in moral purity, in the utter absence of political selfishness, in generous love of his country, and none, perhaps, to whom destiny has assigned a more tragic part.
Interpretation
The quote highlights Scipio Aemilianus's exceptional moral integrity and selflessness compared to other great figures in Roman history.
The quote by Theodor Mommsen reflects on the character of Scipio Aemilianus, emphasizing that while there may have been many individuals in Roman history with greater intellect or talent, none matched his moral purity and lack of political selfishness. It suggests that Aemilianus's devotion to his country and the tragic nature of his fate make him a uniquely admirable figure amongst his contemporaries.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about leadership qualities during a civil service seminar.
An independent state does not pay too dear a price for its independence in accepting the sufferings of war when it cannot avoid them; a state which has lost its independence may find at least some compensation in the fact that its protector procures for it peace with its neighbours.
History is neither written nor made without love or hate.
History has a Nemesis for every sin.
You, boy, who owe everything to a name
He was a degenerate gambler. That is, a man who gambled simply to gamble and must lose. As a hero who goes to war must die. Show me a gambler and I'll show you a loser, show me a hero and I'll show you a corpse.
Bad promises are better broken than kept.
There is no intrinsic worth in money but what is alterable with the times, and whether a guinea goes for twenty pounds or for a shilling, it is the labor of the poor and not the high and low value that is set on gold or silver, which all the comforts of life must arise from.
It is only by the abolition of the State, by the conquest of perfect liberty by the individual, by free agreement, association, and absolute free federation that we can reach Communism — the possession in common of our social inheritance, and the production in common of all riches.
When it comes to the news, the corporate view is `objective,' all else is propaganda.
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