For they secure one sort of justice, to be sure, in that they do no positive wrong to anyone, but they fall into the opposite injustice; for hampered by their pursuit of learning they leave to their fate those whom they ought to defend.
Cicero critiques individuals who, despite avoiding direct harm, are negligent in their civic duty to defend others, particularly due to scholarly pursuits.
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For there are men who for fear of giving offence do not dare to express their honest opinion, no matter how excellent.
Such acts of generosity are not to be so highly esteemed as those which are performed with judgment, deliberation, and mature consideration.
Thus apparent expediency is outweighed when placed in the balance against moral rectitude.
Not only must we show consideration for those whom we have conquered by force of arms but we must also ensure protection to those who lay down their arms and throw themselves upon the mercy of our generals, even though the battering-ram…
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