Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.47 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.47
But as to the affection which anyone may have for us, it is the first demand of duty that we do most for him who loves us most; but we should measure affection, not like youngsters, by the ardour of its passion, but rather by its strength and constancy. But if there shall be obligations already incurred, so that kindness is not to begin with us, but to be requited, still greater diligence, it seems, is called for; for no duty is more imperative than that of proving one's gratitude.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.47, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.47
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 notesDo the most for those who care most for you, and judge their affection by its steadiness and strength rather than the intensity of its passion, as young people do. If you already owe someone a kindness, be even more careful, since proving gratitude is the most pressing duty.
Older wording
- “ardour”
- — intense passion
- “requited”
- — repaid
Themes and situations
- Gratitude
- Friendship
- Family and love
- Duty and roles
- Trouble with a friend
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