Cicero Quotes

We should not be so taken up in the search for truth, as to neglect the needful duties of active life; for it is only action that gives a true value and commendation to virtue.

A mental stain can neither be blotted out by the passage of time nor washed away by any waters.

Leisure with dignity.

For of all gainful professions, nothing is better, nothing more pleasing, nothing more delightful, nothing better becomes a well-bred man than #‎ agriculture

There is no more sure tie between friends than when they are united in their objects and wishes.

The hours pass and the days and the months and the years, and the past time never returns.

No one sees what is before his feet: they scan the tracks of heaven.

It is disgraceful when the passers-by exclaim, "O ancient house! alas, how unlike is thy present master to thy former one.

The dutifulness of children is the foundation of all virtues.

Death approaches, which is always impending like the stone over Tantalus: then comes superstition with which he who is imbued can never have peace of mind.

It is a great proof of talents to be able to recall the mind from the senses, and to separate thought from habit.

No one dies too soon who has finished the course of perfect virtue.

Let war be so carried on that no other object may seem to be sought but the acquisition of peace. [Lat., Bellum autem ita suscipiatur, ut nihil aliud, nisi pax, quaesita videatur.]

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquities.

There is no fortune so strong that money cannot take it.

It is a shameful thing to be weary of inquiry when what we search for is excellent.

He is an eloquent man who can treat humble subjects with delicacy, lofty things impressively, and moderate things temperately.

By Hercules! I prefer to err with Plato, whom I know how much you value, than to be right in the company of such men.

Men think they may justly do that for which they have a precedent.

A man does not wonder at what he sees frequently, even though he be ignorant of the reason. If anything happens which he has not seen before, he calls it a prodigy.

From all sides there is equally a way to the lower world.

There is no praise in being upright, where no one can, or tries to corrupt you.

In the approach to virtue there are many steps.

Nothing quite new is perfect.

Were floods of tears to be unloosed In tribute to my grief, The doves of Noah ne'er had roost Nor found an olive-leaf.

As thou sowest, so shalt thou reap.

Death is dreadful to the man whose all is extinguished with his life; but not to him whose glory never can die.

Prudence must not be expected from a man who is never sober. [Lat., Non est ab homine nunquam sobrio postulanda prudentia.]

The comfort derived from the misery of others is slight.

He who obeys with modesty appears worthy of being some day a commander.

When a person screams in pain, the actual pain is only half the noise they make. The other half is the terror at being forced to accept that they exist.

No man in his senses will dance.

Certain signs precede certain events.

Man's best support is a very dear friend.

Religion is not removed by removing superstition.

There is in superstition a senseless fear of God.

To some extent I liken slavery to death.

The false is nothing but an imitation of the true.

Man was born for two things--thinking and acting.

We study history not to be clever in another time, but to be wise always.

Nature has granted the use of life like a loan, without fixing any day for repayment.

I cheerfully quit from life as if it were an inn, not a home; for Nature has given us a hostelry in which to sojourn, not to abide.

There is sufficient reward in the mere consciousness of a good action.

The house should derive dignity from the master, not the master from the house.

I remember the very thing that I do not wish to; I cannot forget the things I wish to forget.

The gods attend to great matters, they neglect small ones.

A person who is wise does nothing against their will, nothing with sighing or under coercion.

Whatever befalls in accordance with nature should be accounted good.

As in the case of wines that improve with age, the oldest friendships ought to be the most delightful.

Men ought to be most annoyed by the sufferings which come from their own faults.