Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.141 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.141
In entering upon any course of action, then, we must hold fast to three principles: first, that impulse shall obey reason; for there is no better way than this to secure the observance of duties; second, that we estimate carefully the importance of the object that we wish to accomplish, so that neither more nor less care and attention may be expended upon it than the case requires; the third principle is that we be careful to observe moderation in all that is essential to the outward appearance and dignity of a gentleman. Moreover, the best rule for securing this is strictly to observe that propriety which we have discussed above, and not to overstep it. Yet of these three principles, the one of prime importance is to keep impulse subservient to reason.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.141, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.141
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 notesBefore acting, hold to three rules: let reason govern impulse, judge how important the goal really is so you spend neither too much nor too little effort on it, and keep your outward conduct within proper bounds. Of the three, making impulse obey reason matters most.
Older wording
- “impulse”
- — a sudden urge or drive to act
- “propriety”
- — fitting, decent conduct
Themes and situations
- Self-discipline and habit
- Judgements and impressions
- Virtue and character
- A hard decision
- Breaking a bad habit
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