Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Rightly defined philosophy is simply the love of wisdom.
Interpretation
Philosophy involves a deep appreciation and pursuit of wisdom.
Cicero's quote suggests that at its core, philosophy is driven by a profound affection for wisdom and understanding. It emphasizes the idea that the quest for knowledge and insight is not just an academic exercise but a heartfelt endeavor to grasp the fundamental truths of existence and enhance our understanding of life.
In practice
In a lecture on philosophy, one could use this quote to illustrate the essence of philosophical thought.
Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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.
Everything you're sure is right can be wrong in another place.
What would tomorrow bring? I wondered. Both hands on the wheel, I closed my eyes. I didnβt feel like I was in my own body; my body was just a lonely, temporary container I happened to be borrowing. What would become of me tomorrow I did not know.
We have a love affair with the idea of the 'natural,' even though we, as a species, are about as unnatural as you can imagine.
I have neither permitted, nor shall I permit, the things which have been settled by the holy fathers to be violated by any innovation.
I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization.
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom - go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!
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