Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.27 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.27
But in any case of injustice it makes a vast deal of difference whether the wrong is done as a result of some impulse of passion, which is usually brief and transient, or whether it is committed wilfully and with premeditation; for offences that come through some sudden impulse are less culpable than those committed designedly and with malice aforethought. But enough has been said on the subject of inflicting injury.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.27, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.27
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 notesIt matters whether a wrong came from a brief burst of passion or was planned deliberately and with malice. Harm done on a sudden impulse is less blameworthy than harm done on purpose.
Older wording
- “malice aforethought”
- — deliberately planned ill will
- “culpable”
- — deserving blame
Themes and situations
- Justice and fairness
- Anger
- Emotions and the passions
- Being angry with someone
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