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b. 106 BC
Marcus Tullius Cicero (3 January 106 BC – 7 December 43 BC), infrequently known by the anglicized name Tully in the Middle Ages and after, was a Roman philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator, political theorist, consul and constitutionalist. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.
Lawyers Philosophers Translators Also known as: Marcus Tullius Cicero, The Extremes of Good and Evil, Tully
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History is truly the witness of times past, the light of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity; whose voice, but the orator's, can entrust her to immortality?
De Oratore – On the Orator (-55)
Can any one find out in what condition his body will be, I do not say a year hence, but this evening?
When you are aspiring to the highest place, it is honorable to reach the second or even the third rank.
Let war be so carried on that no other object may seem to be sought but the acquisition of peace.
The rabble estimate few things according to their real value, most things according to their prejudices.
It is difficult to tell how much men's minds are conciliated by a kind manner and gentle speech.
There is no more sure tie between friends than when they are united in their objects and wishes.
It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others, and to forget his own.
It is foolish to pluck out one's hair for sorrow, as if grief could be assuaged by baldness.
It is a common saying that many pecks of salt must be eaten before the duties of friendship can be discharged.
The first bond of society is marriage; the next, our children; then the whole family and all things in common.
Great is the power of habit. It teaches us to bear fatigue and to despise wounds and pain.
In honorable dealing you should consider what you intended, not what you said or thought.
What one has, one ought to use: and whatever he does he should do with all his might.
Things sacred should not only be untouched with the hands, but unviolated in thought.
It is disgraceful when the passers-by exclaim, "O ancient house! alas, how unlike is thy present master to thy former one."
Let flattery, the handmaid of the vices, be far removed (from friendship).
An army abroad is of little use unless there are prudent counsels at home.
He takes the greatest ornament from friendship, who takes modesty from it.
In all matters, before beginning, a diligent preparation should be made.
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