Tag Archives: Cicero

The higher our position the more modestly we should behave.

The higher our position the more modestly we should behave. – Cicero What does that mean? This was an interesting quote to source, as it had variant wording. And while attributed to Cicero, he claims it was said by King Philip of … Continue reading

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Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide.

Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide. – Cicero What does that mean? Excess is often synonymous with too much of something. But you can also have an excess of caution, or in other words, you can … Continue reading

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What is permissible is not always honorable.

What is permissible is not always honorable. – Cicero What does that mean? As many large societies are based on laws, we tend to focus on what is permissible and what is proscribed, without much thought in regards to why. … Continue reading

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Ability without honor is useless.

Ability without honor is useless. – Cicero What does that mean? A similar quote is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said “Ability without honor has no value,” so it appears to be a popular thought. Ability, in this quote, … Continue reading

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Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.

Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things. – Cicero What does that mean? A treasury is the place where you keep your treasures, all those things you value. The quote says, in part, that that is one of … Continue reading

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Nature has planted in our minds an insatiable longing to see the truth.

Nature has planted in our minds an insatiable longing to see the truth. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is an alternate translation of “Natura inest mentibus nostris insatiabilis quædam cupiditas veri videndi.” in Latin, or in English: … Continue reading

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I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.

I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know. – Cicero What does that mean? I’m sure you’ve heard it before. Someone brings up an interesting fact, and someone else is quick to … Continue reading

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Even if you have nothing to write, write and say so.

Even if you have nothing to write, write and say so. – Cicero What does that mean? While I couldn’t find a hard citation for this quote, it is a very interesting thought to consider. What do writers write about when … Continue reading

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Rightly defined philosophy is simply the love of wisdom.

Rightly defined philosophy is simply the love of wisdom. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is about the motivation and underlying reason why people pursue philosophy. And, quite simply, it is, as the quote says, the simple love of wisdom. … Continue reading

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In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy.

In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy. – Cicero What does that mean? I’m not an expert in how Latin is translated, and I was unable to find the exact source of the quote, so I’m going to have … Continue reading

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No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.

No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone. – Cicero What does that mean? While everyone complains on Tax Day or at other times when unpleasant things happen to large groups of us, … Continue reading

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The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured.

The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured. – Cicero What does that mean? This is another saying based on the concepts of agriculture. Harvesting is what you do at the end of the season, … Continue reading

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Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is attributed both to Cicero and as a Swedish Proverb. Not sure how those go together, … Continue reading

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If we are not ashamed to think it, we should not be ashamed to say it.

If we are not ashamed to think it, we should not be ashamed to say it. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is all about our morals, our values, and the potential for a dichotomy between how we … Continue reading

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Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. – Cicero What does that mean? Well, to discuss this, we need some virtues. While each religion and culture have their own take on virtue, hopefully this … Continue reading

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