Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Silence can be a powerful element in communication that enhances understanding and connection.
This quote emphasizes the importance of silence in conversations, suggesting that listening and reflecting can be just as impactful as speaking. Cicero highlights that the art of conversation is not solely about the words exchanged, but also about the moments of silence that allow for deeper thought and insight.
Themes
SilenceConversationListeningCommunicationWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a meeting, using silence effectively can encourage others to speak up.
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
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
John WoodenRead
It's good not only to realize that you can't please all of the people all of the time, but that you don't want to. There's a certain type of reader that you don't ever want to write for.
Dennis LehaneRead
From this point of view, to avoid your strengths and to focus on your weaknesses isn't a sign of diligent humility. It is almost irresponsible. By contrast the most responsible, the most challenging, and, in the sense of being true to yourself, the most honorable thing to do is face up to the strength potential inherent in your talents and then find ways to realize it.
Donald O. CliftonRead
Admiration of great men, living or dead, naturally evokes imitation of them in a greater or less degree.
Samuel SmilesRead
We never know what God has up His sleeve. You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now.
Elisabeth ElliotRead
I am lucky to be what I am! Thank goodness I'm not just a clam, or a ham, or a dusty jar of sour gooseberry jam! I am what I am - that's a great thing to be!
Dr. SeussRead