“We are not born for ourselves alone; a part of us is claimed by our nation, another part by our friends.”

— Cicero, On Duties (De Officiis), Book I, 22

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.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”

“Thou canst not joke an Enemy into a Friend; but thou may'st a Friend into an Enemy.”

“The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.”

“Your birthday as my own to me is dear.”

“The instructions of an old man are precious.”

“Old age deprives the intelligent man only of qualities useless to wisdom.”