Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.99 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.99
We should, therefore, in our dealings with people show what I may almost call reverence toward all men—not only toward the men who are the best, but toward others as well. For indifference to public opinion implies not merely self-sufficiency, but even total lack of principle. There is, too, a difference between justice and considerateness in one's relations to one's fellow-men. It is the function of justice not to do wrong to one's fellow-men; of considerateness, not to wound their feelings; and in this the essence of propriety is best seen. With the foregoing exposition, I think it is clear what the nature is of what we term propriety.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.99, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.99
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 notesTreat everyone with basic respect, not only the best people, because ignoring what others think shows a lack of principle. Justice means not wronging people, while considerateness means not hurting their feelings, and this is where good manners and good character meet.
Older wording
- “considerateness”
- — thoughtfulness towards others
- “propriety”
- — proper, fitting behaviour
Themes and situations
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Justice and fairness
- Community and our duty to others
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Conflict at work
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