Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
A person who is wise does nothing against their will, nothing with sighing or under coercion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True wisdom involves acting freely and willingly, without external pressures or regrets.
This quote by Cicero suggests that wisdom is characterized by the ability to act according to one's own desires and principles. A wise individual makes choices that align with their true self, rather than succumbing to external pressures or feelings of resentment, emphasizing the importance of free will and authenticity in one's actions.
Themes
WisdomFree WillAuthenticityChoicesPressure
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of pursuing one's passion over societal expectations.
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.
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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