Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
It is foolish to tear one's hair in grief, as though sorrow would be made less by baldness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Grieving excessively does not alleviate the pain of loss; it may even exacerbate it.
Cicero's quote suggests that expressing grief through outward signs, like tearing one's hair, is an unwise action that brings no real comfort. Instead of relieving sorrow, such actions can lead to more distress, highlighting the idea that true healing comes from more constructive coping mechanisms rather than mere displays of sadness or despair.
Themes
GriefSorrowWisdomCoping
In practice
Example use cases
In a memorial speech, one might use this quote to emphasize productive grieving.
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.
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Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
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Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
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No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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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
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