Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.126 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.126
But the propriety to which I refer shows itself also in every deed, in every word, even in every movement and attitude of the body. And in outward, visible propriety there are three elements—beauty, tact, and taste; these conceptions are difficult to express in words, but it will be enough for my purpose if they are understood. In these three elements is included also our concern for the good opinion of those with whom and amongst whom we live. For these reasons I should like to say a few words about this kind of propriety also. First of all, Nature seems to have had a wonderful plan in the construction of our bodies. Our face and our figure generally, in so far as it has a comely appearance, she has placed in sight; but the parts of the body that are given us only to serve the needs of Nature and that would present an unsightly and unpleasant appearance she has covered up and concealed from view.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.126, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.126
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 notesFitting behaviour shows in every deed, word and gesture, and it has three outward parts: beauty, tact and taste. It matters because it shapes the good opinion of the people we live among. Nature itself models this by displaying what is attractive and hiding what is unsightly.
Older wording
- “propriety”
- — fitting, decent conduct
- “comely”
- — pleasing to look at
Themes and situations
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Nature and the cosmos
- Self-discipline and habit
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