Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.131 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.131
We must be careful, too, not to fall into a habit of listless sauntering in our gait, so as to look like carriers in festal processions, or of hurrying too fast, when time presses. If we do this, it puts us out of breath, our looks are changed, our features distorted; and all this is clear evidence of a lack of poise. But it is much more important that we succeed in keeping our mental operations in harmony with Nature's laws. And we shall not fail in this if we guard against violent excitement or depression, and if we keep our minds intent on the observance of propriety.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.131, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.131
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 notesNeither dawdle nor rush when time is short, since a hurried, breathless, distorted look shows a lack of poise. What matters far more is keeping the mind in tune with nature by avoiding violent excitement or low spirits and staying focused on acting fittingly.
Older wording
- “gait”
- — the way someone walks
- “poise”
- — calm, balanced self-possession
Themes and situations
- Emotions and the passions
- Peace of mind
- Self-discipline and habit
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