Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The mere act of believing that some wrongful course of action constitutes an advantage is pernicious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Believing that wrongdoing can benefit you is harmful and misguided.
Cicero's quote warns against the dangerous mindset that perceives unethical actions as advantageous. It highlights the moral blindness that can arise when individuals prioritize their self-interest over ethical considerations, ultimately leading to detrimental consequences for themselves and society.
Themes
BeliefWrongdoingAdvantagePerniciousEthics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about corporate ethics and the consequences of unethical business practices.
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.
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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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