Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Cicero emphasizes that misfortunes are a shared human experience and that one shouldn't wallow in self-pity.
This quote suggests that hardship is a universal aspect of life, affecting everyone at some point. Therefore, it encourages individuals to rise above personal sorrow and recognize that they are not alone in facing life's challenges, prompting a more resilient and communal perspective on suffering.
Themes
MisfortuneSelf-PityShared ExperienceResilienceHardship
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech addressing challenges in life, this quote can highlight the importance of resilience.
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.
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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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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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Loyalty is what we seek in friendship.
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