Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.56 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.56
And while every virtue attracts us and makes us love those who seem to possess it, still justice and generosity do so most of all. Nothing, moreover, is more conducive to love and intimacy than compatibility of character in good men; for when two people have the same ideals and the same tastes, it is a natural consequence that each loves the other as himself; and the result is, as Pythagoras requires of ideal friendship, that several are united in one. Another strong bond of fellowship is effected by mutual interchange of kind services; and as long as these kindnesses are mutual and acceptable, those between whom they are interchanged are united by the ties of an enduring intimacy.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.56, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.56
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 notesEvery virtue makes us love those who have it, especially fairness and generosity, and nothing breeds closeness like similar character and ideals, so that friends become like one soul. Exchanging kindnesses that are welcome on both sides is another strong bond that keeps a friendship alive.
Older wording
- “intimacy”
- — close personal friendship
- “interchange of kind services”
- — mutual exchange of favours
Themes and situations
- Friendship
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Virtue and character
- Family and love
- Trouble with a friend
- Loneliness
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