But, my dear Cicero, while the whole field of philosophy is fertile and productive and no portion of it barren and waste, still no part is richer or more fruitful than that which deals with moral duties; for from these are derived the rules for leading a consistent and moral life.
Addressing his son, Cicero emphasizes the paramount importance of the study of moral duties within the broader field of philosophy.
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From this attitude come greatness of soul and a sense of superiority to worldly conditions.
For no phase of life, whether public or private, whether in business or in the home, whether one is working on what concerns oneself alone or dealing with another, can be without its moral duty; on the discharge of such duties depends all…
So, then, it is truth that is, as it were, the stuff with which this virtue has to deal and on which it employs itself.
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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