Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
I cease not to advocate peace; even though unjust it is better than the most just war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Cicero emphasizes the importance of peace over the justification of war, suggesting peace, even if imperfect, is preferable.
In this quote, Cicero argues that advocating for peace is vital, highlighting that even an unjust peace is more desirable than entering into a just war. His words reflect the idea that the devastation and suffering caused by war outweigh any moral righteousness that might be derived from it, thereby promoting the notion that efforts should always be directed toward achieving harmony rather than conflict.
Themes
PeaceWarAdvocacyConflictCicero
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of diplomacy over military intervention.
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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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.
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