Marcus Tullius Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, and author who lived from 106 BC to 43 BC. He is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists. Cicero was also a philosopher, political theorist, lawyer, and constitutionalist. He played a critical role in the politics of the late Roman Republic and wrote extensively on rhetorical theory and philosophy. His writings include speeches, letters, and treatises on a wide range of topics. His works have had a lasting impact on European education and thought, and he remains a significant figure in Western culture.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. On The Ends Of Good And Evil
"On the Ends of Good and Evil" is a philosophical work that explores the ethical theories of Hellenistic schools, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and the Peripatetic tradition. Through a series of dialogues, the text delves into the nature of happiness and the ultimate end of human action, examining what constitutes the highest good. The author critiques and compares the doctrines of these schools, ultimately defending the Stoic view that virtue is the sole basis of happiness and the ultimate goal in life, while also acknowledging valuable insights from other philosophical traditions.
-
2. Catiline Orations
"Catiline Orations" is a series of speeches given by a renowned Roman statesman, which were aimed at exposing and condemning the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina. The speeches, delivered in the Roman Senate, are a masterful display of oratory skills and political acumen, as the statesman successfully manages to turn the Senate against Catiline, ultimately leading to his downfall. The book offers an in-depth study of these speeches, providing valuable insights into Roman politics, rhetoric, and the art of persuasion.
-
3. On The Gods
The book is a philosophical treatise that explores ancient theological concepts and the nature of the gods, presenting a critical examination of various religious beliefs and practices of the time. The author, a Roman statesman and scholar, engages in a series of dialogues that delve into the existence and attributes of the divine, contrasting the Epicurean view of detached gods with the Stoic belief in a providential order. Through rigorous argumentation and eloquent rhetoric, the work seeks to understand the role of the gods in human life and the universe, while also reflecting on the implications of piety, fate, and the pursuit of happiness within the context of Roman religion and philosophy.
