Marcus Tullius Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicerowas a Roman philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator, political theorist, consul, and constitutionalist. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and was one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionStatesman
silent prudence folly
I prefer silent prudence to loquacious folly. [Lat., Malo indisertam prudentiam, quam loquacem stultitiam.]
ignorance matter ashamed
Nor am I ashamed, as some are, to confess my ignorance of those matters with which I am unacquainted.
lying deceit courtesy
No deceit is so veiled as that which lies concealed behind the semblance of courtesy.
men taste different
Men of different tastes have different pursuits.
law justice giving
Let the force of arms give place to law and justice.
men trade practise
Let every man practise the trade which he best understands.
men desert
Let each man have according to his deserts.
grief knows can-do
It is of no avail to know what is about to happen; for it is a sad thing to be grieved when grief can do no good.
ignorance evil approach
Ignorance of impending evil is far better than a knowledge of its approach.
children hate talent
I hate all children of precocious talent.
rivals
How much in love with himself, and that too without a rival!
writing signatures philosopher
How do our philosophers act? Do they not inscribe their signatures to the very essays they write on the propriety of despising glory.
merit praise
Honourable mention encourages science, and merit is fostered by praise.
recommendations solemnity crafty
He has no other recommendation, save an assumed and crafty solemnity of demeanour.