Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 1.98 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.98
The poets will observe, therefore, amid a great variety of characters, what is suitable and proper for all—even for the bad. But to us Nature has assigned the rôles of steadfastness, temperance, self-control, and considerateness of others; Nature also teaches us not to be careless in our behaviour towards our fellow-men. Hence we may clearly see how wide is the application not only of that propriety which is essential to moral rectitude in general, but also of the special propriety which is displayed in each particular subdivision of virtue. For, as physical beauty with harmonious symmetry of the limbs engages the attention and delights the eye, for the very reason that all the parts combine in harmony and grace, so this propriety, which shines out in our conduct, engages the approbation of our fellow-men by the order, consistency, and self-control it imposes upon every word and deed.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 1.98, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/1.98
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 notesNature assigns humans the roles of steadfastness, self-control and consideration for others, and behaviour showing order, consistency and restraint wins people's approval much as physical harmony delights the eye.
Older wording
- “approbation”
- — approval
- “considerateness”
- — thoughtfulness towards others
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
- Self-discipline and habit
- Community and our duty to others
- Reputation and others' opinions
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