“No one can be happy without virtue.”

— Cicero, On the Nature of the Gods (De Natura Deorum), Book I, 48

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.”

“Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?”

“The wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills.”

“Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.”

“Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, and let us choose joy!”

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

“Human happiness consists in living according to reason.”