De Officiis

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

47001

Title

De Officiis

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Marcus Tullius Cicero's philosophical treatise on moral duty, written to his son Marcus. It explores the relationship between virtue and expediency, establishing a hierarchy of obligations from the gods to society, family, and self, while addressing ethical dilemmas in public and private life.

Summary up to 500 words

In his seminal work *De Officiis*, addressed to his son Marcus, Marcus Tullius Cicero defines the nature of duty (*officium*) and its intrinsic connection to virtue. The text is structured into three books that collectively establish a comprehensive ethical framework for Roman statesmanship. Book I asserts that moral rectitude (*honestas*) is the highest good, superior to mere expediency (*utilitas*), though Cicero acknowledges the tension between the two. He establishes a strict descending order of duties: first to the immortal gods, second to the state, third to parents, and finally to oneself. Crucially, he rejects the notion that wicked acts are ever expedient, even for the sake of the state, arguing that a wise man would never commit repulsive or wicked acts to save the country. Book II examines the conflict between morality and profit, utilizing practical examples such as grain shortages and real estate sales. Cicero argues that honesty is always the best policy, even when it appears less profitable. He resolves apparent contradictions between morality and expediency by defining concealment not merely as silence, but as the active attempt to profit from another's ignorance. Book III focuses on *decorum* or propriety, teaching how to apply moral principles to specific situations. This includes the conduct of a statesman, the management of anger, and the proper behavior of a citizen in times of crisis. By blending Stoic philosophy with Roman practical wisdom, Cicero asserts that true wisdom involves both theoretical knowledge and the practical application of virtue in a complex world. The work remains a foundational text for understanding Roman ethics and the delicate balance between personal integrity and public responsibility.

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4.5/5

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Politics