Class 18 W 11/12/25: Roman Literature Day 2
Introduction to Cicero
Cicero was a master of speech writing, living at the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Golden Age of Latin literature.
He was a "new man" (Homo Novus), the first in his family to achieve the position of consul.
He was assassinated by Mark Antony and Octavian at the end of his life due to a public feud.
Importance of Public Speaking in Roman Civilization
Public speaking was highly valued in Roman society for several reasons:
Communication: An effective way to reach the masses.
Entertainment: A significant form of media and entertainment.
Influence: A means to change perspectives, sway votes, and influence court cases.
Rhetoric and Oration:
It was a formal art form studied by upper-class Roman males.
Cicero was considered the master of rhetoric in the ancient world.
Cicero's Career as a Lawyer and Politician
Before becoming a politician, Cicero gained popularity and wealth as a prominent lawyer.
He tried numerous court cases, losing only one in his entire career.
His speeches were recorded by his slave, Tiro (the inventor of shorthand), and later published.
Cicero's Writings
Cicero's extensive catalog of works includes:
Court case speeches (defense and prosecution).
Numerous letters to friends, family, and associates.
Philosophical writings, such as "On Friendship" (De Amicitia).
Essays like "Philippics," where he criticized Mark Antony.
Cicero's Style and Political Views
Writing Style:
Very ornate, loquacious (talkative), and high-brow.
Aimed at the elite, with Cicero often using 25 words where 5 would suffice.
Political Views:
Considered himself an "optimate," advocating for the status quo and the Senate as the ruling class.
He prioritized politics, republican government, law, and legality above all else.
"On Friendship" (De Amicitia)
Context:
Written during a period of forced political exile, allowing him time for philosophical reflection.
The work is presented as a dialogue, borrowing from Plato and Aristotle's style, featuring three men discussing friendship.
Nature of True Friendship:
Based on Virtue: Friendship is possible only between virtuous, "good men" who follow nature.
Qualities of good friends: loyalty, sacrifice, generosity, trustworthiness, impartiality, steadfastness.
He defines "good people" as those who adhere to these virtues to the best of their human ability.
Transactional relationships (based on profit, status, power) are not true friendships.
Superior to Family Relationships: Cicero argues friendships are better because they involve choice and active pursuit.
Family relationships are given; friendships are earned and require work.
This active engagement and reciprocity make friendships deeper.
"More Ends in View": Friendship offers numerous advantages beyond mere material gains.
It provides emotional support, trust, companionship, safety, and security.
A friend is often seen as "another self," reflecting core values, even if opinions differ.
Eternal and Immutable: True friendships are not dissolved by loss or absence, unlike relationships based on profit.
He uses the example of his deceased friend, Scipio, to illustrate that memories, shared values, and stories keep the friendship alive.
Like nature, which is cyclical and where nothing truly dies, true friendship persists through different "seasons" and even death.
Ethical Boundaries: Real friends do not ask you to do immoral things or requests that would change the power dynamic or seek transactional gain.
Conclusion of Cicero's Impact
Cicero's writings, though different from poetry, were impactful and reflected the political turmoil of his era.