Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.10 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.10
There are, to be sure, philosophers of the very highest reputation who distinguish theoretically between these three conceptions, although they are indissolubly blended together; and they do this, I assume, on moral, conscientious principles. [For whatever is just, they hold, is also expedient; and, in like manner, whatever is morally right is also just. It follows, then, that whatever is morally right is also expedient.] Those who fail to comprehend that theory do often, in their admiration for shrewd and clever men, take craftiness for wisdom. But they must be disabused of this error and their way of thinking must be wholly converted to the hope and conviction that it is only by moral character and righteousness, not by dishonesty and craftiness, that they may attain to the objects of their desires.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.10, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.10
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 notesWhat is right, just and advantageous are really one thing, and admiring clever people leads some to mistake cunning for wisdom. The correction is to hold firmly that what we truly want can be reached only through good character and honesty, never through dishonesty and tricks.
Older wording
- “expedient”
- — advantageous or useful
- “craftiness”
- — cunning, sly cleverness
- “disabused”
- — freed from a mistaken belief
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
- Justice and fairness
- Judgements and impressions
- An ethical dilemma
Quote cards
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