But most people not only recognize nothing as good in our life unless it is profitable, but look upon friends as so much stock, caring most for those by whom they hope to make most profit.
Cicero: “But most people not only recognize nothing as good in our life unless it is profitable, but look upon friends as so much…”
Editor's note · Context
Critiquing common human motivations, this passage observes that many people value only what is profitable and view friends instrumentally, as sources of personal gain.
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