Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.41 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.41
Now it seems to me, at least, that not only among the Medes, as Herodotus tells us, but also among our own ancestors, men of high moral character were made kings in order that the people might enjoy justice. For, as the masses in their helplessness were oppressed by the strong, they appealed for protection to some one man who was conspicuous for his virtue; and, as he shielded the weaker classes from wrong, he managed by establishing equitable conditions to hold the higher and the lower classes in an equality of right. The reason for making constitutional laws was the same as that for making kings.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.41, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.41
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 notesRulers first arose as people chosen for their virtue, to protect the weak from the strong and keep everyone equal in rights. Written laws were created for exactly the same reason.
Older wording
- “equitable”
- — fair and even-handed
- “Medes”
- — an ancient people of what is now Iran
- “conspicuous”
- — standing out clearly
Themes and situations
- Justice and fairness
- Leadership and power
- Community and our duty to others
Quote cards
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