Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 3.63 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 3.63
Now I observe that Hecaton of Rhodes, a pupil of Panaetius, says in his books on "Moral Duty" dedicated to Quintus Tubero that "it is a wise man's duty to take care of his private interests, at the same time doing nothing contrary to the civil customs, laws, and institutions. But that depends on our purpose in seeking prosperity; for we do not aim to be rich for ourselves alone but for our children, relatives, friends, and, above all, for our country. For the private fortunes of individuals are the wealth of the state." Hecaton could not for a moment approve of Scaevola's act, which I cited a moment ago; for he openly avows that he will abstain from doing for his own profit only what the law expressly forbids. Such a man deserves no great praise nor gratitude.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 3.63, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/3.63
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 notesA fellow philosopher holds that it is fine to look after your own finances as long as you break no law, and that wealth should serve family, friends and country as well as yourself. Cicero objects that someone who avoids only what the law expressly forbids deserves little praise or gratitude.
Older wording
- “avows”
- — openly declares
Themes and situations
- Wealth and poverty
- Justice and fairness
- Duty and roles
- Community and our duty to others
- An ethical dilemma
- Money, status and wanting more
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