Cicero On Duties (selections)

Cicero addresses his son Marcus, who is studying philosophy in Athens.
Cicero emphasizes the importance of connecting Latin with Greek, both in philosophy and public speaking, for a well-rounded education.

Animals act on instinct, focusing on immediate needs and sensory input.
Humans possess reason, allowing them to understand consequences, causes, and the flow of events.
Humans can connect the present with the future and consider the entire course of life.
Nature equips humans with reason, fostering social connections and a love for family.
Humans desire to seek truth and knowledge, valuing the understanding of hidden or wondrous things.
This pursuit of truth leads to a desire for precedence, where individuals naturally want to lead unless under just authority.

Cicero, referencing Plato, describes the essence of right (justice/virtue) and its connection to wisdom.
Righteousness emanates from four primary origins:
- Perception and Skillful Treatment of Truth (Wisdom/Prudence): This involves the keen observation, understanding, and articulation of truth.
- Maintaining Good Fellowship (Justice): This includes treating others fairly, fulfilling obligations, and honoring agreements.
- Greatness and Strength of Mind (Fortitude/Courage): This refers to a lofty, unconquered spirit capable of facing adversity.
- Order and Measure (Temperance/Moderation): This involves self-control, discipline, and balance in all things.
Interrelation: These four sources are interconnected but give rise to distinct duties.
Wisdom and Prudence: Focus on investigating and discovering truth.
The other three virtues pertain to conduct of life, maintaining social unity, exhibiting greatness of mind, and practicing moderation.

Wealth is sought for basic needs, luxury, or increasing influence.
Some seek wealth to increase influence and the power to give generously.
Marcus Crassus: Believed sufficient property was necessary to support an army to hold a foremost place in the republic.
Desire for money can become unbounded.
Increasing property without harming others is acceptable, but wrong-doing for gain is not.
The pursuit of military commands, civic honors, and fame can cause people to lose sight of justice.
Ennius: "Where kingship is concerned, No social bond or covenant is sacred"
- Application: This quote extends beyond kingship to any situation where few can be foremost.
The desire for power and fame is common in great minds, requiring caution against criminal conduct.

Courage must be coupled with justice and directed towards the public good, not selfish aims.
Stoics: Defined courage as virtue that contends for the right.
Plato: Knowledge divorced from justice is subtlety, not wisdom; courage motivated by self-interest is audacity, not courage.
Brave men should be good, simple, truthful, and remote from guile.
Obstinacy and lust for power can arise from an exalted soul.
Lacedaemonians: Character consumed by the desire for victory.
Those who covet pre-eminence may struggle to maintain equity.
Such individuals may resort to bribery and intrigue to gain influence.
True greatness lies in deeds, not fame; choosing to be chief rather than seem so.
Those who depend on the masses are not truly great.
Ambition can lead to unjust actions driven by the greed for fame.

Both those greedy for power and men of leisure seek to live as they please.
The former believe large resources enable this, while the latter are content with little.
The life of leisure is easier, safer, and less troublesome.
Public service is more beneficial to mankind and brings greater renown.
Those dedicated to learning or with impaired health may be excused from public affairs.
Those who disdain public service without valid reason deserve discredit.
They may fear toil, trouble, or the shame of potential setbacks.
Inconsistencies: Some scorn pleasure but are unmanned by pain, or scorn fame but are broken by unpopularity.
Those naturally suited for public affairs should seek office to govern the state well.
Public trusts require elevation of mind, contempt for fortune's vicissitudes, and a serene spirit.
Philosophers find this easier due to a less eventful and less demanding life.
Public servants are more exposed to mental excitement and care, requiring corresponding strength of mind.
Consider Right and your ability to carry it through, make diligent Preparation.

Military achievements are often regarded as superior to civil service, but this needs refuting.
Wars are sometimes encouraged by those seeking fame and command.
Many civic transactions surpass feats of arms in importance and renown.
Virtue stems from strength of mind, not body.
The body should be disciplined to obey reason.
Mental care and thought in peacetime are as valuable as leadership in war.
Wars have often been prevented or terminated by the counsel of statesmen.
Marcus Cato: His counsel, even after death, led to the Third Punic War.
Skill in settling controversies is more desirable than armed conflict.
Peaceful measures should be pursued for the public good, not merely to avoid fighting.
War should be a quest for peace.
A brave man is undisturbed by misfortune and takes prompt counsel (does not lose balance).
A man of ability anticipates future events and plans accordingly.
Rash maneuvers in battle are savage and beastlike.
Hand-to-hand fighting is necessary when occasion demands, and death is preferable to slavery or cowardice.

Follow Plato's precepts:
- Prioritize the well-being of citizens over private interests.
- Care for the entire body politic, not just a portion.
The administration of the state is for the benefit of those entrusted to its care, not those in charge.
Partiality leads to mischief, sedition, and civil wars.
Substantial and brave citizens should shun partiality and dedicate themselves to the state's well-being.
Avoid false accusations and uphold justice and right, even at personal cost.
Canvassing and scrambling for preferment is detrimental.
- Plato: Those who quarrel for leadership are like sailors fighting for the helm.
Treat those who bear arms against the state as enemies, not those who disagree on policy.
Avoid anger towards political adversaries; placability and clemency are more praiseworthy.
Courtesy and tolerance are essential in free states with equal rights.
Maintain strictness in public business while avoiding irritability.
Punishment should be free from personal insult and aimed at the public good.
Avoid excessive punishment or unequal application of penalties.
Eliminate anger in punishment; act with justice, not emotion.
Those presiding over the state should be like the laws, guided by justice, not anger.

Remember the Superiority of human Nature to that of cattle.
Animals are driven by sensual pleasure which man should overcome.
The human mind is nourished by knowledge and reflection.
Even those inclined to sensual pleasure hide it out of Shame.
Bodily pleasure is unworthy of man's endowments and should be limited.
Food and care of the body should be for Health and not for pleasure.
Luxury and wantonness are base; frugality, chastity, circumspection, and sobriety are honorable.