Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Nature has lent us life at interest, like money, and has fixed no day for its payment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is a temporary gift from nature, and we don't know when we must return it.
In this quote, Cicero emphasizes the transient nature of life, comparing it to a loan that must eventually be repaid. He suggests that, just as we borrow money with the understanding that we have to return it, we borrow life from nature without knowing when our time will come to an end, urging us to appreciate and make the most of the time we have.
Themes
LifeNatureTemporaryAppreciationTime
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about environmental conservation, one could quote this to emphasize the importance of cherishing our planet.
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
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