Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.31 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.31
All men do not, perhaps, stand equally in need of political honour, fame, and the good-will of their fellow-citizens; nevertheless, if these honours come to a man, they help in many ways, and especially in the acquisition of friends. But friendship has been discussed in another book of mine, entitled "Laelius." Let us now take up the discussion of Glory, although I have published two books on that subject also. Still, let us touch briefly on it here, since it is of very great help in the conduct of more important business. The highest, truest glory depends upon the following three things: the affection, the confidence, and the mingled admiration and esteem of the people. Such sentiments, if I may speak plainly and concisely, are awakened in the masses in the same way as in individuals. But there is also another avenue of approach to the masses, by which we can, as it were, steal into the hearts of all at once.
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Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.31, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.31
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 notesPublic honour and goodwill are not equally needed by everyone, but they help in many ways, above all in making friends. True glory rests on three things: people's affection, their confidence, and their mingled admiration and respect.
Older wording
- “esteem”
- — respect and high regard
Themes and situations
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Ambition and success
- Friendship
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