On Duties: A Guide To Conduct, Obligations, And Decision-Making

by Marcus Tullius Cicero, Quintus Curtius (Translator)

This is the most complete, readable, and explanatory edition of Cicero's "On Duties" available in English. “On Duties” represents the pinnacle of Western moral philosophy. Not only is it an unmatched practical guide to conduct, it also serves as a profoundly ennobling vision of man. Acknowledged as a moral authority for many centuries, it was the second book (after the Gutenberg Bible) to be printed following the invention of the printing press. This new English translation by Quintus Curtius brings Cicero into the 21st century, while at the same time preserving the majesty and elegance of the original. Lucid, precise, and accessible for the modern reader, this complete and unabridged translation was designed specifically to meet the needs of the modern reader. It contains the following special features that are found nowhere 1. An innovative topical organizational scheme that permits easy location of subjects and terms 2. Detailed textual notes for unfamiliar terms and historical references 3. Detailed commentaries on the text 4. Complete subject and name index 5. Additional explanatory essays Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, and former Marine officer. He can be found at qcurtius.com.

Genres: Philosophy, Psychology, History

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2016

About the author

Born 3 January 106 BC, Arpinum, Italy
Died 7 December 43 BC (aged 63), Formia, Italy

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and Roman constitutionalist. Cicero is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.

Alternate profiles:
Cicéron
Marco Tullio Cicerone
Cicerone

Note: All editions should have Marcus Tullius Cicero as primary author. Editions with another name on the cover should have that name added as secondary author.

Reviews

[Rob Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and very readable translation. So much of original American political theory was based on Cicero, making this a must-read for any political thinker.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cicero cuts through it all and enlightens the reader: Man is made for duty. A must read for any young male, and even the old ones. The Greeks and Romans knew it all, we are still figuring it out.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting discussions of issues in practical/applied ethics, especially applied issues in war, business, and politics. His main goal is to show that there are no real conflicts between moral goodness and expediency. Repeatedly though his argument for showing this, usually through considering some particular case, relies on the very claim he is trying to show, namely that there are no real conflicts between moral goodness and expediency. So argumentatively, I think, it fails. Still worth reading though.

[Alfred Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book on Stoicism I have read, and it was a great book to start with. The translation is exceptional, and incorporating the author's commentary makes it even easier to digest.

The lessons taught in this book seem fairly obvious, but despite this, they were written for the people of his day, and over time, these ethics have faded from our societies and day-to-day lives, so to have them reinforced wakes you up to what is right and just, and sets a reminder of the standards men should still hold themselves to.

I hope to come back to this book again soon and see the impact it's had.

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as any Stoic writing, Cicero admonishes us to despise Excess Wealth, Advantage.
and to concentrate on Justice, temperance and the protection of the weak and less fortunate.

Very Sound Advice