Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
There is nothing so absurd that some philosopher has not already said it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the vast range of human thought, suggesting that all ideas, no matter how strange, have been contemplated by philosophers.
Cicero's quote reflects on the idea that philosophy has explored the depths of human thought, claiming that every conceivable notion, no matter how bizarre or nonsensical, has been articulated by someone throughout history. This serves as a reminder that human intellect is expansive and that even the most outlandish beliefs have been considered, prompting us to respect the diversity of thought and the importance of philosophical discourse.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on absurd philosophy, you may reference Cicero's quote to illustrate the diversity of thought.
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.
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.
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There is nothing absolute and final. If everything were ironclad, all the rules absolute and everything structured so no paradox or irony existed, you couldn't move. One could say that man sneaks through the crack where paradox exists.