Political Quotes

Cicero: “What a sorry state of servitude for a virtue--to be pandering to sensual pleasure!”

On the record44 BC
What a sorry state of servitude for a virtue--to be pandering to sensual pleasure!
Said by
Cicero

Editor's note · Context

Critiquing the Epicurean philosophy, Cicero expresses his strong disapproval of the idea that virtue should be subservient to pleasure.

Share

More from Cicero

44 BC

For nature puts a limit to living as to everything else.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

But if I am wrong in thinking the human soul immortal, I am glad to be wrong; nor will I allow the mistake which gives me so much pleasure to be wrested from me as long as I live.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

Don't you think that the soul which has the clearer and longer sight sees that it is starting for better things, while the soul whose vision is dimmer does not see it?

gutenberg.org
44 BC

But had it not been the case that souls were immortal, it would not have been the souls of all the best men that made the greatest efforts after an immortality of fame.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation