Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.74 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.74
Most people think that the achievements of war are more important than those of peace; but this opinion needs to be corrected. For many men have sought occasions for war from the mere ambition for fame. This is notably the case with men of great spirit and natural ability, and it is the more likely to happen, if they are adapted to a soldier's life and fond of warfare. But if we will face the facts, we shall find that there have been many instances of achievement in peace more important and no less renowned than in war.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.74, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.74
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 notesMany people rate military feats above peaceful achievements, but this should be corrected. Ambition for fame drives many to seek wars, yet peaceful accomplishments have often been just as important and renowned.
Older wording
- “renowned”
- — famous
Themes and situations
- Ambition and success
- Leadership and power
- Community and our duty to others
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