Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 3.68 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 3.68
What is the purpose of these illustrations? To let you see that our forefathers did not countenance sharp practice. Now the law disposes of sharp practices in one way, philosophers in another: the law deals with them as far as it can lay its strong arm upon them; philosophers, as far as they can be apprehended by reason and conscience. Now reason demands that nothing be done with unfairness, with false pretence, or with misrepresentation. Is it not deception, then, to set snares, even if one does not mean to start the game or to drive it into them? Why, wild creatures often fall into snares undriven and unpursued. Could one in the same way advertise a house for sale, post up a notice "To be sold," like a snare, and have somebody run into it unsuspecting?
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 3.68, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/3.68
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 notesLaw only catches what it can reach, while reason and conscience hold you to a higher standard: no unfairness, false pretence or misrepresentation. Advertising something for sale in the hope that an unsuspecting buyer walks into it is like setting a snare, deceptive even if you never drive anyone in.
Older wording
- “sharp practice”
- — dishonest or unscrupulous dealing
- “countenance”
- — tolerate or approve
Themes and situations
- Justice and fairness
- Virtue and character
- Speech and silence
- An ethical dilemma
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.