Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Many people prefer to appear virtuous rather than to truly possess virtue.
This quote by Cicero highlights the human tendency to prioritize outward appearances over genuine traits, particularly virtue. It suggests that a significant number of individuals may seek to be perceived as good or moral rather than actually striving to embody these qualities in their actions and decisions, reflecting a deeper commentary on human nature and societal values.
Themes
VirtueAppearanceHuman NatureAuthenticityMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of true moral character over mere reputation.
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
Even voting for the right is doing nothing for it. It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.
Henry David ThoreauRead
There are some kinds of Christianity that insist you have to believe literally in doctrine. The Gnostic gospels open out the complexity and multiplicity of approaches to this. If you think the story of the virgin birth is mistranslated, for instance, it doesn't mean you have to throw out the whole thing.
Elaine PagelsRead
Absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
The world of employer and employee, like that of master and slave, debases both.
Edward AbbeyRead
God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation.
Charles SpurgeonRead
I have always played into the belief that you are only ever borrowing the jersey; you never own the jersey because someone has gone before you and there is going to be someone after you, so it's a case of giving the jersey maximum respect.
Brian O'DriscollRead