Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
To study philosophy is nothing but to prepare one’s self to die.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Studying philosophy helps individuals confront and understand mortality.
Cicero suggests that the pursuit of philosophy equips individuals with the knowledge and insight necessary to grapple with the concept of death. Engaging deeply with philosophical ideas allows one to reflect on the nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and how one chooses to live in light of that awareness.
Themes
PhilosophyDeathMortalityKnowledgeExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech for philosophy students, highlighting the importance of philosophical thinking about life and death.
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.
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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.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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