Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Rashness belongs to youth; prudence to old age.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Youth is often characterized by impulsiveness, while older age brings caution and careful consideration.
This quote by Cicero highlights the contrast between the impulsive nature of youth and the carefully measured approach that often comes with age. It suggests that as individuals grow older, they tend to become more prudent and thoughtful, acknowledging the importance of careful decision-making gained through life experiences. The observation serves as a reminder of the inherent qualities associated with different stages of life and encourages a reflection on personal growth and the acquisition of wisdom.
Themes
YouthAgeWisdomPrudenceImpulsiveness
In practice
Example use cases
During a school graduation speech, to emphasize the importance of thinking carefully before acting upon youthful impulses.
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
Similar quotes
The devil is in the details, and everything we do in the military is a detail.
Hyman RickoverRead
Abandon cleverness, discard profit, and thieves and robbers will disappear.
LaoziRead
The surgeons' market is imaginary, since there is nothing wrong with women's faces or bodies that social change won't cure; so the surgeons depend for their income on warping female self-perception and multiplying female self-hatred.
Naomi WolfRead
I love those who can smile in trouble.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are.
John BurroughsRead
Look wise, say nothing, and grunt. Speech was given to conceal thought.
William OslerRead