Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
We are motivated by a keen desire for praise, and the better a man is the more he is inspired by glory. The very philosophers themselves, even in those books which they write in contempt of glory, inscribe their names.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human motivation is often driven by the desire for recognition and glory, even among intellectuals who claim to disdain it.
Cicero's quote highlights the paradox of human nature where the pursuit of glory and praise serves as a strong motivating force. He suggests that despite philosophers and thinkers who criticize the quest for fame, they still seek recognition for their contributions, indicating that the desire for validation is deeply ingrained in all individuals. This insight reflects a duality in human motivation, where even those who aspire to intellectual greatness are not immune to the allure of public admiration.
Themes
MotivationPraiseGloryPhilosophyHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal achievements, one might quote Cicero to emphasize the importance of recognition in various accomplishments.
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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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