Although it is thought that it was by their achievements that Sparta gained her supremacy, yet these are not even remotely to be compared with the legislation and discipline of Lycurgus.
Cicero: “Although it is thought that it was by their achievements that Sparta gained her supremacy, yet these are not even…”
Editor's note · Context
Challenging the popular view of Spartan power, Cicero argues that the military achievements of Sparta are far less significant than the enduring legislation and discipline established by Lycurgus.
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Thus apparent expediency is outweighed when placed in the balance against moral rectitude.
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.
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?
Moreover, all our thought and mental activity will be devoted either to planning for things that are morally right and that conduce to a good and happy life, or to the pursuits of science and learning.





