“A true friend is one who is, as it were, a second self.”

— Cicero, On Friendship (De Amicitia), 80 (translation by J. F. Stout)

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.”

“Ask yourself at every moment, "Is this necessary?"”

“Up! mind thine own aim, and God speed the mark!”

“It may be called the Master Passion—the hunger for Self-Approval.”

“The only possible society is oneself.”

“What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.”