Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.46 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.46
As, then, in everything else brain-work is far more important than mere hand-work, so those objects which we strive to attain through intellect and reason gain for us a higher degree of gratitude than those which we strive to gain by physical strength. The best recommendation, then, that a young man can have to popular esteem proceeds from self-restraint, filial affection, and devotion to kinsfolk. Next to that, young men win recognition most easily and most favourably, if they attach themselves to men who are at once wise and renowned as well as patriotic counsellors in public affairs. And if they associate constantly with such men, they inspire in the public the expectation that they will be like them, seeing that they have themselves selected them for imitation.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.46, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.46
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 notesYoung people win public esteem best through self-restraint, devotion to family, and by attaching themselves to wise, respected mentors whom others will expect them to resemble. Achievements won through intellect earn more gratitude than those won through brute strength.
Older wording
- “filial”
- — of a child toward their parents
- “kinsfolk”
- — relatives
- “counsellors”
- — advisers
Themes and situations
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Learning and progress
- Family and love
- Self-discipline and habit
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.