Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Whatever is done without ostentation, and without the people being witnesses of it, is, in my opinion, most praiseworthy: not that the public eye should be entirely avoided, for good actions desire to be placed in the light; but notwithstanding this, the greatest theater for virtue is conscience.
Interpretation
Genuine actions are praiseworthy when done privately, as true virtue is recognized by one's own conscience rather than by public attention.
This quote by Cicero emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds without seeking public recognition or approval. It suggests that while it's natural for virtuous acts to be shared and acknowledged, the true essence of virtue lies in the individual's conscience and integrity. Performing actions for their own sake, rather than for the applause of others, is what genuinely defines worthiness and moral character.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of selfless service.
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.
Thirty millions, mostly fools.
Show your contempt for the problem and your concern for the person.
Carpe Jugulum," read Agnes aloud. "That's... well, Carpe Diem is 'Sieze the Day,' so this means-" "Go for the throat
When will we ever learn? When will we ever learn?
It's not worth doing something unless you were doing something that someone, somewere, would much rather you weren't doing.
There are several good protections against temptation, but the surest is cowardice.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.