Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As we near the end of life, seeking more advice can be pointless since our journey is almost complete.
Cicero reflects on the nature of life and wisdom, suggesting that as we age and approach the end of our journey, it becomes less beneficial to gather advice or prepare for the future. Instead, he implies that we should focus on living in the present and utilizing the knowledge we have already accumulated, as the culmination of experiences should guide us in our final days rather than adding new provisions or considerations at a late stage in life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a retirement speech to emphasize the importance of living fully in one's later years.
More from Marcus Tullius Cicero
All quotes βThose wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Loyalty is what we seek in friendship.
Similar quotes
As I talk about strengths and weaknesses in academic economics, one interesting fact you are entitled to know is that I never took a course in economics. And with this striking lack of credentials, you may wonder why I have the chutzpah to be up here giving this talk. The answer is I have a black belt in chutzpah. I was born with it.
Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
As a flower that is lovely and beautiful, but is scentless, even so fruitless is the well-spoken word of one who practices it not.
Drop the question of what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that Fate allows you.
Knowledge is a sacred cow, and my problem will be how we can milk her while keeping clear of her horns.
Sir Isaac Newton was asked how he discovered the law of gravity. He replied, "By thinking about it all the time.