Two distinctive traits especially identify beyond a doubt a strong and dominant character. One trait is contempt for external circumstances, when one is convinced that men ought to respect, to desire, and to pursue only what is moral and right, that men should be subject to nothing, not to another man, not to some disturbing passion, not to Fortune. The second trait, when your character has the disposition I outlined just now, is to perform the kind of services that are significant and most beneficial; but they should also be services that are a severe challenge, that are filled with ordeals, and that endanger not only your life but also the many comforts that make life attractive.Of these two traits, all the glory, magnificence, and the advantage, too, let us not forget, are in the second, while the drive and the discipline that make men great are in the former.

Two distinctive traits especially identify beyond a doubt a strong and dominant character. One trait is contempt for external circumstances, when one is convinced that men ought to respect, to desire, and to pursue only what is moral and right, that men should be subject to nothing, not to another man, not to some disturbing passion, not to Fortune. The second trait, when your character has the disposition I outlined just now, is to perform the kind of services that are significant and most beneficial; but they should also be services that are a severe challenge, that are filled with ordeals, and that endanger not only your life but also the many comforts that make life attractive.Of these two traits, all the glory, magnificence, and the advantage, too, let us not forget, are in the second, while the drive and the discipline that make men great are in the former.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote
Save Quote
Similar Quotes by marcus-tullius-cicero

The authority of those who teach is often an obstacle to those who want to learn.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

When Cicero (Marcus Tullius Cicero 106-43 BC ) was in 64 BC running for consul of Rome he was reported to be advised by his "campaign manager" that the voters "had rather you lied to them than refused them."

Anonymous
Save QuoteView Quote

Freedom is a man's natural power of doing what he pleases, so far as he is not prevented by force or law.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

More law, less justice.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

The safety of the people shall be the highest law.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

A home without books is a body without soul.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

Justice consists in doing no injury to men decency in giving them no offense.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

Hatred is settled anger.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

Hatred is inveterate anger.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote

Live as brave men; and if fortune is adverse, front its blows with brave hearts.

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Save QuoteView Quote
Related Topics to marcus-tullius-cicero Quotes