Political Quotes

Cicero: If that accomplishes nothing, he will take him to task; he will even threaten; and in the end, if things point to the…

On the record44 BC
If that accomplishes nothing, he will take him to task; he will even threaten; and in the end, if things point to the destruction of the state, he will sacrifice his father to the safety of his country.
Said by
Cicero

Editor's note · Context

From his philosophical treatise on moral duties, Cicero discusses the extreme case where civic duty to the state overrides familial loyalty.

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Thus apparent expediency is outweighed when placed in the balance against moral rectitude.

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To this passion for discovering truth there is added a hungering, as it were, for independence, so that a mind well-moulded by Nature is unwilling to be subject to anybody save one who gives rules of conduct or is a teacher of truth or…

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In my opinion, at least, we should always strive to secure a peace that shall not admit of guile.

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