Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No obligation to do the impossible is binding.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that one cannot be held accountable for something that is unattainable or unrealistic.
Marcus Tullius Cicero's quote suggests that individuals should not feel pressured or obligated to achieve the impossible. It speaks to the importance of understanding oneβs limitations and recognizing that expectations must be realistic. The quote encourages people to focus on achievable goals rather than striving for the unattainable, which can lead to undue stress and disappointment.
In practice
In a motivational speech to remind the audience to set achievable goals.
Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Those 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.
I'm sure that at no point in my life could I ever have shown the kind of focus and discipline and commitment necessary to work a station at elBulli or Le Bernardin. No. That ain't me.
If we become increasingly humble about how little we know, we may be more eager to search.
The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing God treasures us.
If we are ever going to develop an ability to hear from God and be led by His Spirit, we have to start making our own decisions and trust the wisdom God has deposited in our own heart.
Be sceptical, ask questions, demand proof. Demand evidence. Don't take anything for granted. But here's the thing: When you get proof, you need to accept the proof. And we're not that good at doing that.
But neither of us knows, because a fight's worth nothing if you know from the start that you're going to win it.
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