“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.”

— Cicero, Pro Plancio, XXXIII (translation)

About Cicero

106 BC – 43 BC

Roman statesman, orator and philosopher, whose speeches and letters are among the most important sources on the late Roman Republic.

“Persistence in a single view has never been regarded as a merit in political leaders.”

“Fear is not a lasting teacher of duty.”

“There is said to be hope for a sick man, as long as there is life.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more.”

“Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people.”

“When prosperous the fool trembles for the evil that is to come; in adversity the philosopher smiles for the good that he has had.”

“Blessed is he who has been able to win knowledge of the causes of things.”

“Any artist should be grateful for a naïve grace which puts him beyond the need to reason elaborately.”