Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.122 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.122
Since, too, the duties that properly belong to different times of life are not the same, but some belong to the young, others to those more advanced in years, a word must be said on this distinction also. It is, then, the duty of a young man to show deference to his elders and to attach himself to the best and most approved of them, so as to receive the benefit of their counsel and influence. For the inexperience of youth requires the practical wisdom of age to strengthen and direct it. And this time of life is above all to be protected against sensuality and trained to toil and endurance of both mind and body, so as to be strong for active duty in military and civil service. And even when they wish to relax their minds and give themselves up to enjoyment they should beware of excesses and bear in mind the rules of modesty. And this will be easier, if the young are not unwilling to have their elders join them even in their pleasures.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.122, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.122
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 notesYoung people should respect and attach themselves to the best of their elders to gain their experience and counsel, guard against self-indulgence, train in hard work and endurance, and keep to modesty even when relaxing, which is easier if they let their elders share in their pleasures.
Older wording
- “deference”
- — respectful willingness to yield to others
- “sensuality”
- — indulgence in bodily pleasure
Themes and situations
- Duty and roles
- Self-discipline and habit
- Learning and progress
- Ageing
- Parenting
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