Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.72 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.72
But those whom Nature has endowed with the capacity for administering public affairs should put aside all hesitation, enter the race for public office, and take a hand in directing the government; for in no other way can a government be administered or greatness of spirit be made manifest. Statesmen, too, no less than philosophers—perhaps even more so—should carry with them that greatness of spirit and indifference to outward circumstances to which I so often refer, together with calm of soul and freedom from care, if they are to be free from worries and lead a dignified and self-consistent life.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.72, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.72
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 notesPeople with a natural talent for leading should drop their hesitation and take responsibility, since governing is the only way to display high-mindedness. Leaders, even more than philosophers, need composure and freedom from worry to stay dignified and consistent.
Older wording
- “greatness of spirit”
- — a high-minded, brave outlook
Themes and situations
- Duty and roles
- Leadership and power
- Courage
- Peace of mind
- Ambition and success
- Leading others
- A hard decision
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