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In the opinion of the ordinary man, I can think of nothing that could be a greater benefit than to be king. Conversely, when I begin to bring my reasoning back to the truth, I find nothing less beneficial for the man who has achieved it unjustly. Can worry, anxiety, fears by day and night, and a life full of treachery and dangers, be beneficial to anyone?

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 132)

One's personal wealth is not to be locked in such a way that kindness cannot open it, nor so insecured that it is open to everyone.

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 84)

Fear is a poor guardian over any length of time; but goodwill keeps faithful guard for ever.

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 71)

First of all, though, we must decide who and what we wish to be, and what kind of life we want. That deliberation is the most difficult thing of all; for it is as adulthood is approaching, just when his counsel is at its very weakest, that each person decides that the way of leading a life that he most admires should be his own.

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 46)

Everyone, therefore, should acquire knowledge of his own talents, and show himself a sharp judge of his own good qualities and faults; else it will seem that actors have more good sense than us. For they do not choose the best plays, but those that are most suited to themselves.

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 44)

We must realise, it is that which is done with a great and lofty spirit, one disdaining human affairs, which appears in the most brilliant light.

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 25)

The search for truth and its investigation are, above all, peculiar to man. Therefore, whenever we are free from necessary business and other concerns we are eager to see or to hear or to learn, considering that the discovery of obscure or wonderful things is necessary for a blessed life. Consequently, we understand that what is true, simple and pure is most fitted to the nature of man. In addition to this desire for seeing the truth, there is a kind of impulse towards pre-eminence, so that a spirit that is well trained by nature will not be willing to obey for its own benefit someone whose advice, teaching and commands are not just and lawful. Greatness of spirit and a disdain for human things arise as a result.

— On Duties by Cicero, M. T. Griffin, E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Page 6)