Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.93 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.93
We have next to discuss the one remaining division of moral rectitude. That is the one in which we find considerateness and self-control, which give, as it were, a sort of polish to life; it embraces also temperance, complete subjection of all the passions, and moderation in all things. Under this head is further included what, in Latin, may be called decorum (propriety); for in Greek it is called πρέπον. Such is its essential nature, that it is inseparable from moral goodness;
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.93, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.93
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 notesIntroduces the fourth division of moral goodness, the sense of propriety or what is fitting, which covers self-control, moderation and mastery of the passions and cannot be separated from moral goodness.
Older wording
- “moral rectitude”
- — moral goodness
- “decorum”
- — proper, fitting behaviour
- “considerateness”
- — thoughtfulness towards others
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
- Self-discipline and habit
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