Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
For there is but one essential justice which cements society, and one law which establishes this justice. This law is right reason, which is the true rule of all commandments and prohibitions. Whoever neglects this law, whether written or unwritten, is necessarily unjust and wicked.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of justice is rooted in reason, which is the foundation of all laws.
In this quote, Cicero emphasizes that true justice is derived from right reason, which serves as the basis for all moral and legal commandments. He argues that neglecting this fundamental principle leads to injustice and wickedness, highlighting the importance of reason in the establishment of a just society.
Themes
JusticeReasonLawSocietyMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on ethics, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of reason in legal frameworks.
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
All quotes →Those 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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Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
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Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
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No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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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.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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