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What Would Stoics Do

Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE

Tusculan Disputations 5 ¶21–23 — Cicero (on the Stoics)

From “Whether Virtue Alone Be Sufficient for a Happy Life”

Translation by C. D. Yonge (1853)

Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 5 ¶21–23

A. But the other of these two propositions is undeniable, that they who are under no apprehensions, who are noways uneasy, who covet nothing, who are lifted up by no vain joy, are happy: and therefore I grant you that. But as for the other, that is not now in a fit state for discussion, for it has been proved by your former arguments that a wise man is free from every perturbation of mind. M. Doubtless, then, the dispute is over, for the question appears to have been entirely exhausted. A. I think, indeed, that that is almost the case.
— Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 5 ¶21–23 · tr. C. D. Yonge (1853)Read in context →

Cite this passage

Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 5 ¶21–23, tr. C. D. Yonge (1853)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/tusculan-disputations/5.21

Cicero, Tusculan Disputations, tr. C. D. Yonge (1853). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

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In plain English

AI-written notes

A short exchange in which the student agrees that people with no fears, no cravings and no vain elation are happy and that the wise are free from disturbing emotions, so the argument seems nearly settled.

Older wording

“noways”
— in no way

Themes and situations

  • Peace of mind
  • Emotions and the passions

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