Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 3.121 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 3.121
Herewith, my son Marcus, you have a present from your father—a generous one, in my humble opinion; but its value will depend upon the spirit in which you receive it. And yet you must welcome these three books as fellow-guests, so to speak, along with your notes on Cratippus's lectures. But as you would sometimes give ear to me also, if I had come to Athens (and I should be there now, if my country had not called me back with accents unmistakable, when I was half-way there), so you will please devote as much time as you can to these volumes, for in them my voice will travel to you; and you can devote to them as much time as you will. And when I see that you take delight in this branch of philosophy, I shall then talk further with you—at an early date, I hope, face to face-but as long as you are abroad, I shall converse with you thus at a distance. Farewell, my dear Cicero, and be assured that, while you are the object of my deepest affection, you will be dearer to me still, if you find pleasure in such counsel and instruction.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 3.121, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/3.121
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 notesA father sends his son a three-book gift of moral instruction and hopes it will be read with care. He promises to carry on the conversation in person later, and until then speaks to his son through the books while the young man studies abroad.
Themes and situations
- Family and love
- Learning and progress
- Parenting
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