Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.2 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.2
You will, therefore, learn from the foremost of present-day philosophers, and you will go on learning as long as you wish; and your wish ought to continue as long as you are not dissatisfied with the progress you are making. For all that, if you will read my philosophical books, you will be helped; my philosophy is not very different from that of the Peripatetics (for both they and I claim to be followers of Socrates and Plato). As to the conclusions you may reach, I leave that to your own judgment (for I would put no hindrance in your way), but by reading my philosophical writings you will be sure to render your mastery of the Latin language more complete. But I would by no means have you think that this is said boastfully. For there are many to whom I yield precedence in knowledge of philosophy; but if I lay claim to the orator's peculiar ability to speak with propriety, clearness, elegance, I think my claim is in a measure justified, for I have spent my life in that profession.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.2, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.2
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 notesThe author urges his son to keep learning from the best living teachers for as long as he is still making progress, and offers his own books as extra help, while leaving the son free to reach his own conclusions. He adds a modest note that he does not claim to be the best philosopher, only a skilled speaker.
Older wording
- “Peripatetics”
- — followers of Aristotle's school
Themes and situations
- Learning and progress
- Pride and humility
- Family and love
Quote cards
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