Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.100 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.100
Further, as to the duty which has its source in propriety, the first road on which it conducts us leads to harmony with Nature and the faithful observance of her laws. If we follow Nature as our guide, we shall never go astray, but we shall be pursuing that which is in its nature clear-sighted and penetrating (Wisdom), that which is adapted to promote and strengthen society (Justice), and that which is strong and courageous (Fortitude). But the very essence of propriety is found in the division of virtue which is now under discussion (Temperance). For it is only when they agree with Nature's laws that we should give our approval to the movements not only of the body, but still more of the spirit.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.100, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.100
Cicero, On Duties (De Officiis), tr. Walter Miller (Loeb, 1913). Text: Perseus Digital Library (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesFollowing nature as a guide keeps you on course, since it leads to wisdom, to justice that supports society, and to courage, while propriety belongs to the fourth virtue, temperance. Actions of body and spirit deserve approval only when they match nature's laws.
Older wording
- “Fortitude”
- — courage
- “Temperance”
- — self-restraint
Themes and situations
- Nature and the cosmos
- Virtue and character
- Self-discipline and habit
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