Author
Marcus Tullius Cicero
-106--43
Marcus Tullius Cicero (-106--43) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Marcus Tullius Cicero
De Officiis
"De Officiis" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a treatise written in 44 BC, during the final months of Cicero's life. Addressed as a letter to his son studying in Athens, this three-part work explores how to live morally and fulfill one's duties. Cicero examines what is honorable, what serves one's advantage, and how to navigate apparent conflicts between virtue and personal gain. Drawing on Stoic philosophy and Roman history, he argues that true virtue and expediency never truly conflict—only seeming to do so.
Cicero's Tusculan Disputations Also, Treatises On The Nature Of The Gods, And On The Commonwealth
"Cicero's Tusculan Disputations" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical work written around 45 BC. Composed while mourning his daughter's death, Cicero presents five dialogues exploring fundamental questions of human existence: conquering the fear of death, enduring pain, alleviating sorrow, managing emotional turmoil, and determining whether virtue alone ensures happiness. Drawing heavily on Greek philosophy, particularly Stoicism, Cicero crafts persuasive arguments that challenge conventional views on suffering and fortune, offering timeless wisdom for fortifying the mind against life's inevitable hardships.
The Letters of Cicero, Volume 1 The Whole Extant Correspodence in Chronological Order
"The Letters of Cicero, Volume 1" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a historical account compiled from the correspondence of the Roman statesman, direct from his letters written between approximately B.C. 68-52. The volume captures a pivotal time in Roman history, focusing on Cicero's personal and political struggles as a key figure during the Republic's decline. This compilation offers insights into Cicero’s life, his relationships, and the historical events he experienced, thereby providing an intimate glimpse into a critical historical era. At the start of this volume, the opening presents a preface that outlines the translator's intentions and the importance of Cicero's letters, emphasizing their historical context and personal significance. The correspondence begins in Cicero's late thirties and covers various aspects of his public and private life, including his thoughts on political figures, his aspirations for office, and his responses to critical events of the era. Notably, the letters provide commentary on Cicero's character, revealing his ambitions, vulnerabilities, and relationships with prominent contemporaries like Pompey and Cato. As the volume sets the stage for Cicero's unfolding narrative, readers are introduced to the intricate interplay between personal sentiment and public duty during a tumultuous period in Rome.
Treatises on Friendship and Old Age
"Treatises on Friendship and Old Age" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical dialogue written in 44 BC. Set after the death of Scipio Africanus in 129 BC, the work explores the nature of true friendship through a conversation between Laelius and his two sons-in-law. Laelius examines what constitutes genuine friendship, arguing it can only exist between virtuous individuals. Through dialogue, Cicero presents timeless reflections on loyalty, honor, and the bonds that connect good people across the ages.
The republic of Cicero Translated from the Latin; and Accompanied With a Critical and Historical Introduction.
"The republic of Cicero" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical dialogue written between 54 and 51 BC. Modeled after Plato's Republic, it examines Roman constitutional theory through conversations led by the wise statesman Scipio Aemilianus. The work explores different types of government, the role of justice in politics, and the qualities of ideal citizens. Though much of the text is lost, its surviving portions reveal Cicero's vision of Roman politics and conclude with the famous Dream of Scipio.
Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 2 of 3
"Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 2 of 3" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a collection of letters written between 68 and 43 BCE. These intimate letters to his closest friend Titus Pomponius Atticus reveal Cicero's private thoughts on politics and daily life during the tumultuous final years of the Roman Republic. Part of 454 surviving letters to Atticus, they offer a candid, personal record often regarded as a kind of private journal from one of Rome's greatest orators.
Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 1 of 3
"Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 1 of 3" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a collection of letters written between 68 and 43 BCE. These intimate letters to his close friend Titus Pomponius Atticus offer a candid window into Cicero's daily life and political concerns during the tumultuous final years of the Roman Republic. Often regarded as a private journal, the 454 surviving letters provide remarkably personal insights from one of Rome's greatest orators, revealing the man behind the public figure during a pivotal moment in ancient history.
Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 3 of 3
"Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 3 of 3" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a collection of letters written between 68 and 43 BCE. These intimate letters to his close friend Titus Pomponius Atticus reveal Cicero's daily life and political concerns during the tumultuous period leading to the fall of the Roman Republic. Candid and personal, they function almost as a private journal, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of one of Rome's greatest orators during history's most pivotal moments.
First Oration of Cicero Against Catiline with Notices, Notes and Complete Vocabulary
"First Oration of Cicero Against Catiline" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a speech delivered in 63 BC. Standing before the Roman Senate, Consul Cicero publicly denounces Senator Catiline for leading a conspiracy to overthrow the republic. This dramatic confrontation follows a failed assassination attempt on Cicero's life and marks the beginning of a crisis that would test Rome's survival. The speech's opening words remain famous after two thousand years, capturing Cicero's outrage at a conspiracy threatening the state's very existence.
Cicero's Orations
"Cicero's Orations" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a collection of speeches delivered in 63 BC. These four powerful addresses expose a dangerous conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic. As consul, Cicero confronts the senator Catiline and his fellow plotters, revealing their plans before the Senate and the people. The speeches chronicle the discovery, investigation, and suppression of the uprising, culminating in a controversial debate over the conspirators' fate. Published around 60 BC, these orations shaped Cicero's legacy and became models of Roman rhetoric for centuries.
Cato Maior de Senectute with Introduction and Notes
"Cato Maior de Senectute" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is an essay written in 44 BC. In this philosophical dialogue, Cicero imagines the respected statesman Cato the Elder at eighty-four, sharing his wisdom about aging with two younger friends. Through Cato's voice, Cicero explores whether old age is truly burdensome or can offer unexpected comforts. He examines four common complaints about aging and argues that supposed disadvantages may be imaginary, while lost pleasures can be replaced by refined ones.
The Academic Questions, Treatise De Finibus, and Tusculan Disputations, of M.T. Cicero, With a Sketch of the Greek Philosophers Mentioned by Cicero
"The Academic Questions, Treatise De Finibus, and Tusculan Disputations" by M.T. Cicero is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. This work includes translations and discussions of various philosophical ideas attributed to Socrates and other ancient Greek philosophers, addressing topics such as ethics, virtue, and the nature of the good life. Cicero aims to present philosophical ideals in a form accessible to his contemporaries, emphasizing the importance of philosophy for personal and societal improvement. At the start of this collection, Cicero introduces the intent behind his work as he converses with friends discussing the necessity and value of engaging with philosophy, particularly the Greek philosophical traditions. The opening portion recounts a dialogue in which Cicero's friend, Varro, discusses his own philosophical pursuits and the reasons behind his writing. The discussion navigates through the significance of philosophy in contemporary life, its historical roots, and the challenge of expressing complex ideas in Latin. The participants reflect on the influence of previous philosophers, including Socrates and Plato, and the importance of translating and discussing these ideas in their native language to enrich their understanding and practices.
Cicero's Brutus or History of Famous Orators; also His Orator, or Accomplished Speaker.
"Cicero's Brutus or History of Famous Orators; also His Orator, or Accomplished…" by Cicero is a dialogue written in 46 BC. Cast as a conversation between Cicero, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Titus Pomponius Atticus, this work surveys the great Roman orators throughout history. Written during Rome's tumultuous civil war period, Cicero traces eloquence from its Greek origins through generations of Roman speakers, defending his own oratorical style while lamenting the decline of public speaking in an age when great orators have fled or fallen silent.
Academica
"Academica" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical work written in 45 BCE. This fragmentary text presents over 250 years of debates between Stoics and Academic Skeptics about the nature of knowledge and certainty. Written during personal turmoil following his daughter's death, Cicero uses dialogue format to champion Academic Skepticism against rival philosophical schools. The work survives in pieces from two editions, preserving ancient arguments about whether certain knowledge is possible and how we should approach truth.
Speeches against Catilina
"Speeches against Catilina" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a collection of four speeches delivered in 63 BC. These orations expose and combat a conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic led by Senator Catiline. Speaking before the Senate and the people, Cicero denounces the conspirators, justifies their arrests, and argues for their execution without trial. Published around 60 BC, these speeches represent Cicero's attempt to defend his controversial actions and cement his reputation as defender of Rome.
Letters of Marcus Tullius Cicero
"Letters of Marcus Tullius Cicero" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a collection of letters written between 62 and 43 BCE. The correspondence between Cicero and various public and private figures provides crucial insight into Roman political and social life during the final years of the Republic. These letters, likely first published by Cicero's secretary after his death in 43 BCE, remain among the most reliable historical sources for this turbulent period in ancient history.
De Amicitia, Scipio's Dream
"De Amicitia, Scipio's Dream" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical treatise written in the early 1st century BC. This work delves into the nature of friendship through a dialogue that reflects upon the enduring ties between individuals, encapsulated in the friendship between Laelius and Scipio Africanus. Cicero's exploration examines various aspects of friendship, its moral foundations, and its importance in a well-lived life. At the start of the dialogue, Laelius, mourning the death of Scipio, reflects on their deep friendship and the loss he feels. In discussing their bond, he addresses the nature of true friendship, highlighting that it can only exist among good men. Laelius articulates the principles that underpin friendship, arguing against the superficial view that friendships are merely transactional or utilitarian. He affirms that genuine friendship arises from virtue and character rather than need, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the ethical duties and expectations within such relationships. As the conversation unfolds, Laelius offers insights into the essence of friendship, its potential for mutual support during challenging times, and the wisdom required to navigate the complexities of interpersonal bonds.
The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4
"The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a historical collection of speeches from the Roman statesman and orator, likely written in the late Roman Republic era. This volume primarily consists of the Philippics, a series of fourteen orations Cicero delivered against Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) in response to Antonius's actions following the assassination of Julius Caesar. Through his speeches, Cicero addresses pressing political issues, critiques the actions of his rivals, and defends the stability of the Roman Republic. At the start of this volume, Cicero outlines the political turmoil following Caesar's death, detailing how Antonius maneuvered to consolidate power and manipulate the Senate. He describes the fear and chaos in Rome, emphasizing the necessity of his own return to the political arena to combat Antonius's increasingly dictatorial behavior. The opening primarily sets the scene of a divided Rome, where Cicero feels compelled to assert his authority and defend the republic against perceived threats posed by Antonius, framing his speeches as a desperate plea for the preservation of republican ideals and governance.
Laelius eli Ystävyydestä
"Laelius eli Ystävyydestä" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical dialogue written in 44 BCE. Set shortly after the death of Scipio Aemilianus, the work explores the nature of true friendship through a conversation between Laelius and his sons-in-law. Cicero examines what defines genuine friendship, the duties friends owe each other, and why virtue forms the foundation of lasting bonds. Drawing on Greek philosophical traditions, this dialogue became one of ancient Rome's most beloved works on human connection.
Scipion unennäkö
"Scipion unennäkö" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical dialogue written in the first century BC. In a dream vision, Roman general Scipio Aemilianus meets his deceased grandfather and journeys through the cosmos, witnessing Earth's insignificance among nine celestial spheres. He hears the music of the spheres and learns about virtue, duty, and the soul's immortal destiny. This cosmological tale explores humanity's place in the universe from a Stoic perspective, blending astronomy with philosophical reflection.
Vanhuudesta
"Vanhuudesta" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a philosophical work written in 44 BCE. Set as a dialogue, the work features the elder statesman Cato discussing old age with two younger men, Scipio and Laelius. Cato systematically refutes four common accusations against old age: that it removes people from active life, weakens the body, diminishes pleasure, and brings closeness to death. Through reasoned argument, he defends aging as potentially fulfilling and addresses fundamental questions about mortality and human purpose.
Puhe runoilija Archiaan puolustukseksi
"Puhe runoilija Archiaan puolustukseksi" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a classical oration written in the 1st century BC. This work falls under the genre of legal rhetoric, and it serves as Cicero’s defense of the poet Archias, who was accused of unlawfully claiming Roman citizenship. Cicero's eloquent discourse highlights the intersection of art, culture, and citizenship in Ancient Rome, illustrating the significance of intellectual contributions to society. In this defense speech, Cicero argues that Archias, a celebrated poet with roots in Antiochia, is deserving of Roman citizenship due to his literary contributions and the esteem in which he is held by prominent figures. He contends that the arts play a vital role in enhancing the glory of the Roman state and that Archias has brought honor through his poetry, which engages with themes of valor and patriotism. Cicero refutes the accusations against Archias, demonstrating his legitimate claim to citizenship through various legal frameworks and societal recognition, ultimately convincing the court to acquit Archias and affirming the importance of poetry in Roman culture.