Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Persistence in a single view has never been regarded as a merit in political leaders.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Political leaders are often criticized for being too rigid in their views and should instead embrace flexibility and adaptability.
Marcus Tullius Cicero suggests that political leaders must not cling stubbornly to a single perspective. Instead, the merit of a leader lies in their ability to adapt, listen to differing opinions, and evolve their thinking in response to new information. This flexibility can lead to more effective leadership and better decision-making in governance.
Themes
PersistenceLeadershipPoliticsFlexibilityAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of adaptive leadership, one might quote Cicero to illustrate that rigidity can hinder effective governance.
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.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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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