Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.140 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.140
One must be careful, too, not to go beyond proper bounds in expense and display, especially if one is building for oneself. For much mischief is done in this way, if only in the example set. For many people imitate zealously the foibles of the great, particularly in this direction: for example, who copies the virtues of Lucius Lucullus, excellent man that he was? But how many there are who have copied the magnificence of his villas! Some limit should surely be set to this tendency and it should be reduced at least to a standard of moderation; and by that same standard of moderation the comforts and wants of life generally should be regulated. But enough on this part of my theme.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.140, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.140
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 notesDo not overspend on display, because the harm spreads through the example you set: people copy the showy habits of the prominent far more readily than their virtues. Set a limit, and let moderation govern how you spend on comforts and wants generally.
Older wording
- “foibles”
- — minor weaknesses or faults
- “villas”
- — luxurious country houses
Themes and situations
- Simplicity and frugality
- Wealth and poverty
- Self-discipline and habit
- Community and our duty to others
- Money, status and wanting more
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