“The first bond of society is marriage; the next, our children; then the whole family and all things in common.”

— Cicero, On Duties (De Officiis), I.17 (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.”

“Hail, wedded love, mysterious law; true source of human offspring.”

“A loving heart maintains a family; a hateful heart destroys a family.”

“A good marriage is one in which each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his solitude.”

“The best friend will probably get the best wife, because a good marriage is founded on the talent for friendship.”

“Where there's marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.”

“Marriage is the fullness of time.”