Tusculan Disputations 2 ¶11–19 — Cicero (on the Stoics)

Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 2 ¶11–19

A. I look on pain to be the greatest of all evils. M. What, even greater than infamy? A. I dare not indeed assert that, and I blush to think I am so soon driven from my ground. M. You would have had greater reason for blushing had you persevered in it, for what is so unbecoming—what can appear worse to you—than disgrace, wickedness, immorality? To avoid which, what pain is there which we ought not (I will not say to avoid shirking, but even) of our own accord to encounter, and undergo, and even to court? A. I am entirely of that opinion. But notwithstanding that pain is not the greatest evil, yet surely it is an evil. M. Do you perceive, then, how much of the terror of pain you have given up on a small hint? A. I see that plainly. But I should be glad to give up more of it. M. I will endeavor to make you do so. But it is a great undertaking, and I must have a disposition on your part which is not inclined to offer any obstacles. A. You shall have such. For as I behaved yesterday, so now I will follow reason wherever she leads.