Written in 44 BCE during the final years of the Roman Republic, Cicero's philosophical dialogue explores the nature of true friendship through a conversation between Laelius and his companions. The work examines how genuine friendships form, endure, and enrich human life, offering insights that remain relevant across centuries. This translation by Evelyn S. Shuckburgh presents Cicero's timeless reflections on loyalty, virtue, and human connection.
THE augur Quintus Mucius Scaevola used to recount a number of stories about his father-in-law Galus Laelius, accurately remembered and charmingly told; and whenever he talked about him always gave him the title of "the wise" without any hesitation. I had been introduced by my father to Scaevola as soon as I had assumed the _toga virilis_, and I took advantage of the introduction never to quit the venerable man's side as long as I was able to stay and he was spared to us. The consequence was that I committed to memory many disquisitions of his, as well as many short pointed apophthegms, and, in short, took as much advantage of his wisdom as I could. When he died, I attached myself to Scaevola the Pontifex, whom I may venture to call quite the most distinguished of our countrymen for ability and uprightness. But of this latter I shall take other occasions to speak. To return to Scaevola th…Continue reading →
This is the Evelyn S. Shuckburgh translation, a public-domain English text. Marginalia presents it unabridged, with chapter navigation, your reading position saved, and optional AI commentary on any passage.
A brilliant orator and philosopher of ancient Rome (106-43 BCE), this statesman defended the Republic against Julius Caesar and Mark Antony through powerful speeches that cost him his life. His writings on rhetoric, ethics, and politics profoundly influenced Western thought, while his letters provide invaluable insights into Roman society's final days. All works by Cicero →
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