Quotes By Marcus Tullius Cicero

Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defense can be just.

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.

In a republic this rule ought to be observed: that the majority should not have the predominant power.

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.

It is the nature of every person to error, but only the fool perseveres in error.

Nothing is so unbelievable that oratory cannot make it acceptable.

Let us not listen to those who think we ought to be angry with our enemies, and who believe this to be great and manly. Nothing is so praiseworthy, nothing so clearly shows a great and noble soul, as clemency and readiness to forgive.

Sweet is the memory of past troubles.

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

I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.

Hatred is settled anger.

Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.

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.