Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great achievements stem from intellectual strength rather than physical abilities.
This quote emphasizes the importance of mental attributes such as reflection, character, and judgment over mere physical capabilities like strength and speed. Cicero suggests that true greatness comes from thoughtful introspection and moral integrity, indicating that success is more about how we think and make decisions than physical prowess.
Themes
GreatnessReflectionCharacterJudgmentSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech to inspire students.
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
Ninety-nine percent of the people in the world are fools and the rest of us are in great danger of contagion.
Thornton WilderRead
When you have known the kiss of a flaying knife, a laugh loses all its power to hurt you.
George R. R. MartinRead
A power struggle collapses when you withdraw your energy from it. Power struggles become uninteresting to you when you change your intention from winning to learning about yourself.
Gary ZukavRead
My favorite three words in the English language are: βI donβt knowβ, because every time I say them, I learn something new.
Timothy LearyRead
Being generous, just helping one's relatives and being blameless in one's actions; this is the best good luck.
Gautama BuddhaRead
If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.
HerodotusRead