The history of Rome presents various men of greater genius than Scipio Aemilianus, but none equalling him in moral purity, in the utter absence of political selfishness, in generous love of his country, and none, perhaps, to whom destiny has assigned a more tragic part.
Interpretation
The quote highlights Scipio Aemilianus's exceptional moral integrity and selflessness compared to other great figures in Roman history.
The quote by Theodor Mommsen reflects on the character of Scipio Aemilianus, emphasizing that while there may have been many individuals in Roman history with greater intellect or talent, none matched his moral purity and lack of political selfishness. It suggests that Aemilianus's devotion to his country and the tragic nature of his fate make him a uniquely admirable figure amongst his contemporaries.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about leadership qualities during a civil service seminar.
An independent state does not pay too dear a price for its independence in accepting the sufferings of war when it cannot avoid them; a state which has lost its independence may find at least some compensation in the fact that its protector procures for it peace with its neighbours.
History is neither written nor made without love or hate.
History has a Nemesis for every sin.
God has given us many faiths but only one world in which to co-exist. May your work help all of us to cherish our commonalities and feel enlarged by our differences.
Poor intricated soul! Riddling, perplexed, labyrinthical soul!
As long as a human being worries about when he will die, and what he has that is his,_x000D_ all of his works are zero._x000D_ When affection for the I-creature and what it owns is dead,_x000D_ then the work of the Teacher is over.
A conservative young man has wound up his life before it was unreeled. We expect old men to be conservative but when a nation's young men are so, its funeral bell is already rung.
I no longer gave a sick dog's drop for the wisdom, the reliability and the authority of the public's literary mind, those creeps and old ladies of vested reviewing.
It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It's not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound re-invention.
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