Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
They are eloquent who can speak low things acutely, and of great things with dignity, and of moderate things with temper.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective communication requires the ability to express various ideas appropriately depending on their significance.
Cicero emphasizes the importance of eloquence in communication, suggesting that the true skill lies in how one conveys ideas. The ability to articulate minor matters sharply, major topics with respect, and moderate subjects with a balanced approach reflects a deep understanding of the nuances of language and context.
Themes
CommunicationEloquenceExpressionNuanceUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community issues, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of communicating complex ideas with simplicity.
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.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
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.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Similar quotes
The best thing I did was choose the right heroes.
Warren BuffettRead
Manners are like zero in arithmetic. They may not be much in themselves, but they are capable of adding a great deal of value to everything else.
Freya StarkRead
It has forever been thus: So long as men write what they think, then all of the other freedoms - all of them - may remain intact. And it is then that writing becomes a weapon of truth, an article of faith, an act of courage.
Rod SerlingRead
I got taught a lot of great lessons by superhero comics as a kid about virtue and self-sacrifice and responsibility. And those were an important part of imprinting my DNA with ethical and moral values.
Mark WaidRead
The defects of the mind, like those of the face, grow worse with age.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
For everything that you find dreadful, there's usually something that is rather marvelous as well.
John HurtRead