For, since all moral rectitude springs from four sources (one of which is prudence; the second, social instinct; the third, courage; the fourth, temperance) it is often necessary in deciding a question of duty that these virtues be weighed against one another.
Cicero explains that moral decisions often require balancing the four primary virtues from which all rectitude originates.
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Thus apparent expediency is outweighed when placed in the balance against moral rectitude.
Further than this, who fails to see that those promises are not binding which are extorted by intimidation or which we make when misled by false pretences?
For we contend, for example, with a fellow-citizen in one way, if he is a personal enemy, in another, if he is a rival: with the rival it is a struggle for office and position, with the enemy for life and honour.
Accordingly, in encountering danger we should do as doctors do in their practice: in light cases of illness they give mild treatment; in cases of dangerous sickness they are compelled to apply hazardous and even desperate remedies.
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