Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.70 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.70
Your man of slender means, on the other hand, feels that whatever is done for him is done out of regard for himself and not for his outward circumstances. Hence he strives to show himself grateful not only to the one who has obliged him in the past but also to those from whom he expects similar favours in the future—and he needs the help of many; and his own service, if he happens to render any in return, he does not exaggerate, but he actually depreciates it. This fact, furthermore, should not be overlooked—that, if one defends a wealthy favourite of fortune, the favour does not extend further than to the man himself or, possibly, to his children. But, if one defends a man who is poor but honest and upright, all the lowly who are not dishonest—and there is a large proportion of that sort among the people—look upon such an advocate as a tower of defence raised up for them.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.70, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.70
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 notesPeople with little tend to feel a kindness was done for their own sake, so they are earnestly grateful and play down any help they give in return. Defending a wealthy favourite benefits one person or family, but defending an honest poor person wins the loyalty of the many ordinary people who see you as their protector.
Older wording
- “depreciates”
- — plays down, belittles
- “slender means”
- — little money
Themes and situations
- Gratitude
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Justice and fairness
- Community and our duty to others
- Wealth and poverty
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