Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so.
Interpretation
Many people prefer to appear virtuous rather than to truly possess virtue.
This quote by Cicero highlights the human tendency to prioritize outward appearances over genuine traits, particularly virtue. It suggests that a significant number of individuals may seek to be perceived as good or moral rather than actually striving to embody these qualities in their actions and decisions, reflecting a deeper commentary on human nature and societal values.
In practice
During a discussion on ethics, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of true moral character over mere reputation.
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.
You think that just because it's already happened, the past is finished and unchangeable? Oh no, the past is cloaked in multicolored taffeta and every time we look at it we see a different hue.
The bulls are my best friends." I translated to Brett. "You kill your friends?" she asked. "Always," he said in English, and laughed. "So they don't kill me.
That feelings of love and hate make rational judgments impossible in public affairs, as in private affairs, we can clearly enough see in others, though not so clearly in ourselves.
Socrates told us, "the unexamined life is not worth living." I think he's calling for curiosity, more than knowledge. In every human society at all times and at all levels, the curious are at the leading edge.
We came to enjoy; we are being enjoyed. We came to rule; we are being ruled. We came to work; we are being worked. All the time, we find that. And this comes into every detail of our life.
I view everything in the context of Lord Krishna's will, and for me, it is fine if things go in my favour or against.
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