Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has lived a short life who has performed its duties with unblemished character.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A fulfilled life is measured by character and responsibility, not just by its duration.
This quote emphasizes that the quality of one's life is determined by the integrity and responsibilities one fulfills rather than the mere passage of time. Cicero suggests that performing one's duties with an unblemished character is what truly gives life meaning, suggesting that even a shorter life can be richer and more significant than a longer life lacking in virtue.
Themes
LifeDutyCharacterIntegrityMeaning
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the values of leadership and virtue, one might quote Cicero to emphasize integrity.
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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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