Quotes By Marcus Tullius Cicero

Freedom is a man's natural power of doing what he pleases, so far as he is not prevented by force or law.

What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation?

It is foolish to tear one's hair in grief, as though sorrow would be made less by baldness.

It shows nobility to be willing to increase your debt to a man to whom you already owe much.

Never injure a friend, even in jest.

Cultivation to the mind is as necessary as food to the body.

For a tear is quickly dried, especially when shed for the misfortunes of others.

Death is not natural for a state as it is for a human being, for whom death is not only necessary, but frequently even desirable.

The countenance is the portrait of the soul, and the eyes mark its intentions.

Virtue is a habit of the mind, consistent with nature and moderation and reason.

The false is nothing but an imitation of the true.

Justice consists in doing no injury to men; decency in giving them no offense.

Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?

The sinews of war are infinite money.

Glory follows virtue as if it were its shadow.

To live is to think.

Time destroys the speculation of men, but it confirms nature.

We should not be so taken up in the search for truth, as to neglect the needful duties of active life; for it is only action that gives a true value and commendation to virtue.

Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide.

In doubtful cases the more liberal interpretation must always be preferred.

The more laws, the less justice.

Ability without honor is useless.

A man's own manner and character is what most becomes him.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

Laws should be interpreted in a liberal sense so that their intention may be preserved.

Great is the power of habit. It teaches us to bear fatigue and to despise wounds and pain.

What an ugly beast the ape, and how like us.

Empire and liberty.

I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural ability.

The nobler a man, the harder it is for him to suspect inferiority in others.