Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.82 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.82
As to destroying and plundering cities, let me say that great care should be taken that nothing be done in reckless cruelty or wantonness. And it is a great man's duty in troublous times to single out the guilty for punishment, to spare the many, and in every turn of fortune to hold to a true and honourable course. For whereas there are many, as I have said before, who place the achievements of war above those of peace, so one may find many to whom adventurous, hot-headed counsels seem more brilliant and more impressive than calm and well-considered measures.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.82, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.82
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 notesEven in war, avoid reckless cruelty: a great person punishes the guilty, spares the many and stays on an honourable course whatever fortune brings. Many prefer bold, hot-headed plans over calm ones, but they are less wise.
Older wording
- “wantonness”
- — reckless, unprovoked cruelty
- “troublous”
- — turbulent, troubled
Themes and situations
- Justice and fairness
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Leadership and power
- Anger
- Leading others
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