Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
He who acknowledges a kindness has it still, and he who has a grateful sense of it has requited it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Expressing gratitude preserves the kindness we receive, and truly feeling thankful is a way of paying it back.
This quote emphasizes the importance of gratitude in relationships. When we acknowledge the kindness shown to us, we not only retain the positive feelings associated with it, but we also fulfill a social obligation to reciprocate that kindness. It suggests that a grateful mindset enriches our lives and strengthens our connections with others.
Themes
GratitudeKindnessAcknowledgmentReciprocityThankfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about teamwork, one might say, 'As Cicero reminds us, acknowledging kindness helps us maintain strong bonds.'
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
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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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