Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.134 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.134
Conversation, then, in which the Socratics are the best models, should have these qualities. It should be easy and not in the least dogmatic; it should have the spice of wit. And the one who engages in conversation should not debar others from participating in it, as if he were entering upon a private monopoly; but, as in other things, so in a general conversation he should think it not unfair for each to have his turn. He should observe, first and foremost, what the subject of conversation is. If it is grave, he should treat it with seriousness; if humorous, with wit. And above all, he should be on the watch that his conversation shall not betray some defect in his character. This is most likely to occur, when people in jest or in earnest take delight in making malicious and slanderous statements about the absent, on purpose to injure their reputations.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.134, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.134
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 notesGood conversation is easy, witty and not pushy. Let everyone have a turn instead of monopolising the talk, match your tone to the subject, and above all do not let your words reveal a flaw in your character, such as enjoying malicious gossip that damages the reputation of people who are not there.
Older wording
- “dogmatic”
- — insisting on your opinions as beyond question
- “slanderous”
- — spreading damaging, untrue claims about someone
Themes and situations
- Speech and silence
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Virtue and character
- Conflict at work
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