Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
Tusculan Disputations 4 ¶11–15 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
From “On Other Perturbations of the Mind”
Translation by C. D. Yonge (1853)
Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 4 ¶11–15
M. But if that cannot disorder the mind of a wise man, nothing else can. For what—can such a man be disturbed by fear? Fear proceeds from the same things when absent which occasion grief when present. Take away grief, then, and you remove fear. The two remaining perturbations are: a joy elate above measure, and lust. And if a wise man is not subject to these, his mind will be always at rest. A. I am entirely of that opinion. M. Which, then, shall we do? Shall I immediately crowd all my sails? or shall I make use of my oars, as if I were just endeavoring to get clear of the harbor? A. What is it that you mean? For I do not exactly comprehend you.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 4 ¶11–15, tr. C. D. Yonge (1853)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/tusculan-disputations/4.11
Cicero, Tusculan Disputations, tr. C. D. Yonge (1853). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesFear is treated as grief about something not yet here, so if grief is removed fear goes with it, leaving only runaway joy and craving to deal with before the mind is always at rest. A short exchange that sets the agenda for the argument that follows.
Older wording
- “perturbations”
- — disturbing emotions
- “elate”
- — elated, overjoyed
- “lust”
- — an unreasoning craving for something
Themes and situations
- Fear and anxiety
- Grief and mourning
- Emotions and the passions
- Peace of mind
Quote cards
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