“How long will men dare to call anything expedient that is not right?”

— Cicero, On Duties (De Officiis), Book III, 22 (translation by Andrew P. Peabody)

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.”

“Sure I am of this, that you have only to endure to conquer.”

“There is always a philosophy for lack of courage.”

“If you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.”

“Delay always breeds danger.”

“In hidden inwardness all are Christians; who would dare deny this?”

“Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage.”