Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.52 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.52
On this principle we have the following maxims: Deny no one the water that flows by; Let anyone who will take fire from our fire; Honest counsel give to one who is in doubt; for such acts are useful to the recipient and cause the giver no loss. We should, therefore, adopt these principles and always be contributing something to the common weal. But since the resources of individuals are limited and the number of the needy is infinite, this spirit of universal liberality must be regulated according to that test of Ennius—"No less shines his" —in order that we may continue to have the means for being generous to our friends.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.52, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.52
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 notesGive what costs you nothing: water, a light from your fire, honest advice to someone in doubt. But since resources are limited and needs endless, keep general generosity within bounds so you can still help your friends.
Older wording
- “common weal”
- — the public good
- “counsel”
- — advice
Themes and situations
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Community and our duty to others
- Justice and fairness
- Speech and silence
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