Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Sweet is the memory of past troubles.
Interpretation
Memory can help us appreciate the difficult times we have overcome.
This quote by Cicero reflects the idea that our memories, especially of challenging times, can become cherished as they contribute to our growth and resilience. By overcoming troubles, we may come to view those experiences with a sense of sweetness, recognizing their role in shaping who we are and allowing us to appreciate the present more deeply.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, one might quote Cicero to emphasize the value of looking back at past hardships.
Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Those 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.
It's up to you how you waste your time and money. I'm staying here to read: life's too short.
Words are a lens to focus one's mind.
If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing slowly ... very slowly.
Adversity has ever been considered the state in which a man most easily becomes acquainted with himself.
There is timing in everything. Timing in strategy cannot be mastered without a great deal of practice.
If you have not first pondered the entire situation of the man whom you wish to help, and if you have not brought with you instructions for him to follow henceforth in leading his life, he will not receive great good from your help.
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