Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.123 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.123
The old, on the other hand, should, it seems, have their physical labours reduced; their mental activities should be actually increased. They should endeavour, too, by means of their counsel and practical wisdom to be of as much service as possible to their friends and to the young, and above all to the state. But there is nothing against which old age has to be more on its guard than against surrendering to feebleness and idleness, while luxury, a vice in any time of life, is in old age especially scandalous. But if excess in sensual indulgence is added to luxurious living, it is a twofold evil; for old age not only disgraces itself; it also serves to make the excesses of the young more shameless.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.123, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.123
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 notesIn later life, scale back physical work but increase mental effort, using your experience to advise friends, the young and the community. Guard against sliding into weakness, idleness and luxury, which is especially unbecoming in old age and sets a bad example for the young.
Older wording
- “feebleness”
- — weakness
Themes and situations
- Ageing
- Duty and roles
- Community and our duty to others
- Self-discipline and habit
- Getting older
- Searching for meaning
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