Political Quotes

Cicero: And yet gentleness of spirit and forbearance are to be commended only with the understanding that strictness may be…

On the record44 BC
And yet gentleness of spirit and forbearance are to be commended only with the understanding that strictness may be exercised for the good of the state; for without that, the government cannot be well administered.
Said by
Cicero

Editor's note · Context

Continuing his discussion on leadership virtues, Cicero clarifies that gentleness must be balanced with necessary strictness for effective governance.

Share

More from Cicero

44 BC

There are, on the other hand, two kinds of injustice--the one, on the part of those who inflict wrong, the other on the part of those who, when they can, do not shield from wrong those upon whom it is being inflicted.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

It is, therefore, only a madman who, in a calm, would pray for a storm; a wise man's way is, when the storm does come, to withstand it with all the means at his command, and especially, when the advantages to be expected in case of a…

gutenberg.org
44 BC

From this attitude come greatness of soul and a sense of superiority to worldly conditions.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

For there are men who for fear of giving offence do not dare to express their honest opinion, no matter how excellent.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation