Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
I prefer the most unfair peace to the most righteous war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Cicero values peace, even if it is imperfect, over the righteousness often claimed in war.
This quote by Cicero conveys his deep belief in the importance of peace, even when it may seem flawed or unjust. He suggests that the costs and ramifications of war dramatically outweigh the justifications for it, proposing that maintaining peace, regardless of its fairness, is preferable to engaging in a conflict that may be seen as morally right yet results in unnecessary suffering and destruction.
Themes
PeaceWarRighteousnessUnfairnessCicero
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on military intervention, one might quote Cicero to emphasize the value of peace over conflict.
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.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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