Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
There is nothing so absurd that some philosopher has not already said it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the vast range of human thought, suggesting that all ideas, no matter how strange, have been contemplated by philosophers.
Cicero's quote reflects on the idea that philosophy has explored the depths of human thought, claiming that every conceivable notion, no matter how bizarre or nonsensical, has been articulated by someone throughout history. This serves as a reminder that human intellect is expansive and that even the most outlandish beliefs have been considered, prompting us to respect the diversity of thought and the importance of philosophical discourse.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on absurd philosophy, you may reference Cicero's quote to illustrate the diversity of thought.
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.
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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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I'm not black, but there's a whole lot of times I wish I could say I'm not white.
One can generally say this about men: that they are ungrateful, fickle, simulators and deceivers, avoiders of danger, greedy for gain; and while you work for their good they are completely yours, offering you their blood, their property, their lives, and their sons when danger is far away; but when it comes nearer to you, they turn away.
Tell her this And more,β That the king of the seas Weeps too, old, helpless man. The bustling fates Heap his hands with corpses Until he stands like a child With surplus of toys.
There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.