Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.77 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.77
The whole truth, however, is in this verse, against which, I am told, the malicious and envious are wont to rail: "Yield, ye arms, to the toga; to civic praises, ye laurels." Not to mention other instances, did not arms yield to the toga, when I was at the helm of state? For never was the republic in more serious peril, never was peace more profound. Thus, as the result of my counsels and my vigilance, their weapons slipped suddenly from the hands of the most desperate traitors—dropped to the ground of their own accord! What achievement in war, then, was ever so great? What triumph can be compared with that?
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.77, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.77
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 quotes his own line that arms should yield to the toga, boasting that his political vigilance as consul defeated a conspiracy more decisively than any battle could. It is self-praise tied to his own career and offers no practical life guidance.
Older wording
- “toga”
- — Roman civilian dress, standing for peaceful civil life
- “laurels”
- — victory wreaths
Themes and situations
- Pride and humility
- Leadership and power
- Reputation and others' opinions
Quote cards
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