Category Archives: Cicero

Christ and Cicero

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“If to admire Cicero means to be a Ciceronian, I am a Ciceronian.  I admire him so much that I wonder at people who do not admire him.  This may appear a new confession of my ignorance, but this is … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, Petrarch, Renaissance | Leave a comment

Greediness Pretends to be Liberality

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“There are, though, many especially those greedy for renown and glory, who steal from one group the very money that they lavish upon another.  They think that they will appear beneficent towards their friends if they enrich them by any … Continue reading →

Posted in avarice, Cicero, government | Leave a comment

Avarice and Public Office

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“No vice, therefore, is more foul than avarice….particularly among leading men and those who control public affairs.  For to use public affairs for one’s profit is not only dishonourable, but criminal and wicked too….There is nothing by which those in … Continue reading →

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Lawsuits and Admiration

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“There are many types of cases which call for eloquence, and in our republic many young men have won praise by speaking before the jurors, before the people, and before the senate. But the greatest admiration is inspired in lawsuits.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, eloquence, lawyers | 1 Comment

Eloquence and Wisdom

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“It is a well known fact that ‘Eloquence without wisdom is futile.'(citing Cicero, Orator 4. 14) Whence it is clear that eloquence derives its efficacy from wisdom.  The utility of eloquence is, in fact, directly in proportion to the measure … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, dialectic. logic, eloquence, John of Salisbury | Leave a comment

Human beings and search for truth

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, Learning | Leave a comment