“It is difficult to tell how much men's minds are conciliated by a kind manner and gentle speech.”

— Cicero, De Officiis, II.14 (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.”

“Kindness has converted more sinners than either zeal, eloquence, or learning.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.”

“There is, in the human breast, a social affection, which extends to our whole species.”

“Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.”

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

“Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?”