Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The study and knowledge of the universe would somehow be lame and defective were no practical results to follow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Cicero emphasizes that understanding the universe must lead to practical applications to be truly valuable.
In this quote, Cicero highlights the importance of practical results that stem from the study of the universe. He suggests that mere knowledge, without any tangible benefits or applications, is inadequate and fails to fulfill its potential. Thus, he advocates for the pursuit of knowledge that not only seeks understanding but also leads to improvements in human life and society.
Themes
KnowledgeUniversePracticalityWisdomResults
In practice
Example use cases
In a scientific presentation on the importance of applying theoretical research.
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.
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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.
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