Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.1 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.1
I believe, Marcus, my son, that I have fully explained in the preceding book how duties are derived from moral rectitude, or rather from each of virtue's four divisions. My next step is to trace out those kinds of duty which have to do with the comforts of life, with the means of acquiring the things that people enjoy, with influence, and with wealth. [In this connection, the question is, as I said: (1) what is expedient, and what is inexpedient; and (2) of several expedients, which is of more and which of most importance.] These questions I shall proceed to discuss, after I have said a few words in vindication of my present purpose and my principles of philosophy.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.1, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.1
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 notesOpening of the second book, addressed to the author's son: the first book covered duties flowing from moral rightness, and the next covers duties tied to practical advantage, comforts, influence and money. A brief defence of his turn to philosophy comes first.
Older wording
- “expedient”
- — advantageous or useful
- “vindication”
- — defence or justification
Themes and situations
- Duty and roles
- Wealth and poverty
- Learning and progress
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