Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.152 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.152
Now, I think I have explained fully enough how moral duties are derived from the four divisions of moral rectitude. But between those very actions which are morally right, a conflict and comparison may frequently arise, as to which of two moral actions is morally better—a point overlooked by Panaetius. For, since all moral rectitude springs from four sources (one of which is prudence; the second, social instinct; the third, courage; the fourth, temperance),it is often necessary in deciding a question of duty that these virtues be weighed against one another.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.152, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.152
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 notesDuties can conflict, so it is sometimes necessary to weigh two morally right actions and decide which is better. Since all moral rightness springs from four sources, wisdom, social instinct, courage and temperance, deciding well means comparing these virtues against one another.
Older wording
- “moral rectitude”
- — moral rightness, doing what is honourable
- “social instinct”
- — the natural drive to live and work together
- “temperance”
- — self-restraint and moderation
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
- Duty and roles
- Judgements and impressions
- An ethical dilemma
- A hard decision
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