What kind of people can't be trusted, about friends, about life and other advice from Cicero

The wisdom of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a man whose words continue to resonate through the ages, is timeless. Born in 106 BC, Cicero was not only one of ancient Rome’s greatest orators, but also a thinker whose ideas resonate to this day.

In a world that often seems divided and complex, his thoughts on ethics, politics, and human nature serve as a reminder that while societies may evolve, the essence of humanity remains largely unchanged. Cicero’s reflections on friendship, wisdom, and honesty are as relevant today as they were more than two thousand years ago.

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Here are some of Cicero's most profound life lessons that he teaches us today:

1. "The best way to make friends is to be a friend."

In any relationship, whether friendship or partnership, reciprocity is crucial. Cicero reminds us that we cannot expect loyalty, understanding, or support from others unless we first offer it ourselves. Friendship is a two-way street, built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and genuine concern.

As Aristotle once said, "A friend to all is a friend to none."

True friendship requires sincerity, and by being the kind of friends we desire, we naturally attract the same in return.

2. "It's never too late to start doing what's right."

Life is full of opportunities for second chances, whether it's leaving a toxic relationship or quitting a job that's wearing us down. The key is to recognize that every moment holds the potential for a new start.

As the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy wisely noted, “Everyone thinks about changing the world, but no one thinks about changing himself.”

We must recognize that it is never too late to take the first step towards positive change.

3. "Wisdom consists not in having knowledge, but in knowing how to use it."

Accumulating knowledge without applying it is like collecting seeds without planting them. True wisdom, as Cicero said, is taking what we know and using it to achieve tangible results.

It's easy to fall into the trap of endless learning without taking action - whether that's reading self-help books, taking courses, or listening to advice. However, knowledge only transforms our lives when it's put into practice.

4. “The closer the collapse of an empire, the more insane its laws become.”

Cicero’s observation serves as a warning: when society begins to waver, the actions of those in power often become unpredictable and defy rational explanation. While history repeatedly demonstrates this pattern, it also reminds us of the importance of remaining true to our own principles, even when the world around us seems to be losing its way.

5. "Words should not be counted, but weighed."

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6. “Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but even poorer is the nation that, having heroes, does not remember and does not honor them.”

Cicero understood the importance of honoring those who have made significant contributions to society. In a world where celebrities are often celebrated more than anything meaningful, we are called to reflect on the individuals who have truly shaped our lives. Do we remember the pioneers, the freedom fighters, the innovators who have sacrificed so much?

“ A nation that forgets its past has no future ,” said Winston Churchill, emphasizing the urgent need to honor our heroes not only by name, but also through the prism of the values ​​they stood for.

7. “Nothing brings people together like similar characters.”

Shared values ​​and interests bind us together. Cicero believed that when two people share similar worldviews, they are naturally drawn to each other. This is especially true in friendships and relationships.

8. “It is not how long we live that matters, but how well we live.”

This is an everlasting truth. We often get caught up in prolonging our years, forgetting about the quality of the days we live. It is not enough to simply exist; we must strive to live fully, enjoying every moment.

9. "No one can give you better advice than you yourself."

We are our own experts in our own lives. Although other people may give us advice, we must learn to trust our inner compass. Cicero believed that our intuition and self-awareness often provide the answers we seek. Often, we seek approval or solutions from others, but deep down we know what is best for us. The key is to have the courage to listen to our inner voice.

10. "Money is the soul of war."

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11. "It is the peculiar quality of a fool to notice the faults of others and forget his own."

How easy it is to criticize others while ignoring your own shortcomings. Cicero's insightful observation speaks to man's tendency toward hypocrisy.

As psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us in others can lead us to understand ourselves.”

12. "What society does to its children, its children will do to society."

How we treat children, the values ​​we instill, and the opportunities we provide will shape the world of tomorrow. Cicero recognized this responsibility, which carries through the centuries.

13. “Never trust a man who says he does not need a high position, for he is the most vain of all.”

History and experience show that those who loudly proclaim their indifference to power and high status may in fact hide their deepest ambitions. Perhaps they want to be perceived as a modest person who is “above it all.”

But, as the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who fights monsters must be careful not to become a monster in the process.”

Sometimes, in an effort to avoid vanity, a person may become consumed by it in the most insidious way.

Pay attention to other people's actions, not their words, because as the old saying goes, "Empty vessels make the loudest noise."

Cicero's wisdom reminds us of our own capacity for growth, kindness, and resilience. These timeless truths reveal the essence of what it means to live well and truly.

Which quote did you like the most? Write in the comments.