Tusculan Disputations 5 ¶5–13 — Cicero (on the Stoics)

Cicero (on the Stoics), Tusculan Disputations 5 ¶5–13

A. I do not think virtue can possibly be sufficient for a happy life. M. But my friend Brutus thinks so, whose judgment, with submission, I greatly prefer to yours. A. I make no doubt of it. But your regard for him is not the business now. The question is now: what is the real character of that quality of which I have declared my opinion. I wish you to dispute on that. M. What? do you deny that virtue can possibly be sufficient for a happy life? A. It is what I entirely deny. M. What? is not virtue sufficient to enable us to live as we ought, honestly, commendably, or, in fine, to live well? A. Certainly sufficient. M. Can you, then, help calling anyone miserable who lives ill? or will you deny that anyone who you allow lives well must inevitably live happily? A. Why may I not? For a man may be upright in his life, honest, praiseworthy, even in the midst of torments, and therefore live well. Provided you understand what I mean by well. For when I say well, I mean with constancy, and dignity, and wisdom, and courage. For a man may display all these qualities on the rack, but yet the rack is inconsistent with a happy life.