Political Quotes

Cicero: Accordingly, the death of young men seems to me like putting out a great fire with a deluge of water; but old men die…

On the record44 BC
Accordingly, the death of young men seems to me like putting out a great fire with a deluge of water; but old men die like a fire going out because it has burnt down of its own nature without artificial means.
Said by
Cicero

Editor's note · Context

In his essay on old age, Cicero offers a vivid analogy to distinguish between the tragic, unnatural death of the young and the natural, peaceful passing of the old.

Share

More from Cicero

44 BC

Again, there are certain duties that we owe even to those who have wronged us.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

Moreover, all our thought and mental activity will be devoted either to planning for things that are morally right and that conduce to a good and happy life, or to the pursuits of science and learning.

gutenberg.org
44 BC

For there is a limit to retribution and to punishment; or rather, I am inclined to think, it is sufficient that the aggressor should be brought to repent of his wrong-doing, in order that he may not repeat the offence and that others may…

gutenberg.org
44 BC

And so, when we have leisure from the demands of business cares, we are eager to see, to hear, to learn something new, and we esteem a desire to know the secrets or wonders of creation as indispensable to a happy life.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation