Political Quotes

Cicero: As to destroying and plundering cities, let me say that great care should be taken that nothing be done in reckless…

On the record44 BC
As to destroying and plundering cities, let me say that great care should be taken that nothing be done in reckless cruelty or wantonness.
Said by
Cicero

Editor's note · Context

In his discussion of ethical conduct, Cicero advises extreme caution against reckless cruelty or wanton destruction when dealing with conquered cities.

Share

More from Cicero

44 BC

Still, I do not mean to find fault with the accumulation of property, provided it hurts nobody, but unjust acquisition of it is always to be avoided.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

For we may well be guided by those fundamental principles of justice which I laid down at the outset: first, that no harm be done to anyone; second, that the common interests be conserved.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

Besides, he will not expose anyone to hatred or disrepute by groundless charges, but he will surely cleave to justice and honour so closely that he will submit to any loss, however heavy, rather than be untrue to them, and will face death…

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

Other voices in this conversation