Quotes from Marcus Tullius Cicero

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.

Of all nature's gifts to the human race, what is sweeter to a man than his children?

In time of war the laws are silent.

The pursuit, even of the best things, ought to be calm and tranquil.

The long time to come when I shall not exist has more effect on me than this short present time, which nevertheless seems endless.

There are more men ennobled by study than by nature.

Old men are garrulous by nature.

That last day does not bring extinction to us, but change of place.

Just as the soul fills the body, so God fills the world. Just as the soul bears the body, so God endures the world. Just as the soul sees but is not seen, so God sees but is not seen. Just as the soul feeds the body, so God gives food to the world.

In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy.

I never heard of an old man forgetting where he had buried his money! Old people remember what interests them: the dates fixed for their lawsuits, and the names of their debtors and creditors.

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.

For just as some women are said to be handsome though without adornment, so this subtle manner of speech, though lacking in artificial graces, delights us.

The only excuse for war is that we may live in peace unharmed.

I am a Roman citizen.

Hatred is settled anger.

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.

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

Leisure with dignity.

According to the law of nature it is only fair that no one should become richer through damages and injuries suffered by another.

Cui bono? [To whose advantage?]

Brevity is the best recommendation of speech, whether in a senator or an orator.

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

While there's life, there's hope.