Timeless Wisdom for Leaders: 20 Leadership Quotes from Cicero
Today we continue exploring leadership from antiquity by sharing 20 leadership quotes from Cicero.
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a well known figure in Roman history who left an indelible mark on Western thought and culture. Born in Arpinum, a small town southeast of Rome, Cicero was known for his exceptional education and sharp mind.
Cicero studied law and philosophy in Rome and Athens and became one of the most brilliant orators and legal minds of his time.
See More Quotes from Ancient Romans
Cicero’s career spanned several decades, and he held many important government positions, including consul in 63 BC. He was a tireless defender of the Roman Republic and a champion of the principles of freedom and democracy.
Cicero’s speeches, letters, and treatises on politics, philosophy, and ethics were renowned for their eloquence, clarity, and wisdom.
Beyond his political and literary achievements, Cicero was also a devoted family man. He married Terentia, a woman of wealth and status, and had two children, a son named Marcus and a daughter named Tullia. Cicero’s letters to his family reveal a warm and affectionate side of his character.
Despite his many accomplishments, Cicero was not without his enemies. He opposed Julius Caesar and supported the republican cause, which ultimately led to his exile in 58 BC. He was later recalled to Rome and played a role in the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. However, his opposition to Caesar ultimately led to his downfall and execution in 43 BC.
Cicero’s legacy has endured for more than two thousand years, and his writings continue to be studied and admired for their timeless wisdom and insight.
Cicero remains an inspiration for leaders, thinkers, and scholars around the world who seek to uphold the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.
Here are 20 leadership quotes from Cicero organized by topic to help leaders gain inspiration and guidance for their work. I’ve done my best to confirm that these quotes are attributable to Cicero.
Enjoy!
Cicero Quotes On Leadership
“The safety of the people shall be the highest law.”
“The greatest virtue of a ruler is to convert enemies into friends.”
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
“The enemy is within the gates; it is with our own luxury, our own folly, our own criminality that we have to contend.”
“He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”
Cicero Quotes On Virtue and Character
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”
“The authority of those who teach is often an obstacle to those who want to learn.”
“What then is freedom? The power to live as one wishes.”
“The shifts of fortune test the reliability of friends.”
“We must not say every mistake is a foolish one.”
See More Quotes On Character
Cicero Quotes On Government and Politics
“In times of war, the law falls silent.”
“It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment.”
“The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.”
“The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, the public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt.”
Cicero Quotes On Communication and Persuasion
“No one can give you better advice than yourself.”
“There is nothing so absurd that it cannot be believed as truth if repeated often enough.”
“The good of the people is the greatest law.”
“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.”
Cicero Quotes On Personal Development
“The beginnings of all things are small.”
“If you aspire to the highest place, it is no disgrace to stop at the second, or even the third, place.”
I hope you enjoyed these leadership quotes from Cicero. Which quotes fit with your own leadership principles or philosophies? Leave a comment.
Make it a great day!
PS – To learn more about Cicero, read through this FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions: Unveiling the Leadership Wisdom of Cicero
Q: Who was Marcus Tullius Cicero?
A: Marcus Tullius Cicero, a remarkable figure of ancient Rome, graced history as a revered statesman, distinguished lawyer, profound philosopher, and captivating orator. His intellectual contributions have left an indelible mark on Western thought and culture.
Q: What distinguished leadership principles did Cicero advocate?
A: Cicero emphasized the noble duty of leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people they serve. He championed the art of turning adversaries into allies, believed in leading by example, and encouraged the cultivation of virtues such as gratitude, humility, and integrity.
Q: How can Cicero’s profound quotes benefit today’s leaders?
A: Cicero’s timeless quotes offer a wellspring of wisdom that resonates with leaders across diverse domains. They provide insightful guidance on crucial aspects of leadership, including safeguarding the welfare of people, mastering effective communication, fostering self-reflection, and striking a harmonious balance between power and humility.
Q: Can Cicero’s leadership quotes be applied in various organizational contexts?
A: Indeed! Cicero’s leadership principles transcend the boundaries of specific contexts and can be readily applied in various domains such as corporate leadership, political stewardship, educational administration, and community engagement. The principles of ethical conduct, persuasive communication, and servant leadership hold universal relevance.
Q: What can leaders learn from Cicero’s emphasis on gratitude?
A: Cicero regarded gratitude as not only a cardinal virtue but also as the very foundation upon which other virtues are built. Today’s leaders can glean valuable insights from his teachings, understanding the significance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of their teams. Cultivating gratitude fosters a positive work environment and fortifies relationships.
Q: How can Cicero’s ideas on communication empower leaders?
A: Cicero possessed a profound understanding of the power of effective communication and espoused the art of persuasion. His teachings on rhetoric, public speaking, and active listening can equip leaders with the tools to articulate their visions eloquently, forge consensus, and inspire others to action.
Q: Are there any cautionary lessons from Cicero’s life?
A: Indeed, Cicero’s life imparts cautionary lessons as well. His opposition to Julius Caesar resulted in exile and eventual execution. Leaders today can learn from his experiences, navigating the delicate balance between unwavering conviction and prudent decision-making, understanding the political landscape, and embodying strategic acumen.
Q: How can Cicero’s leadership principles be applied in the complexities of the modern world?
A: Cicero’s principles possess enduring relevance and can guide leaders in navigating the intricate tapestry of the contemporary world. By prioritizing integrity, empathy, adaptability, and the pursuit of the common good, leaders can foster trust, cultivate collaboration, and make principled decisions in the face of complexity.
Q: Where can I access additional information about Cicero and his leadership principles?
A: A wealth of resources exists, including books, articles, and online platforms, dedicated to exploring the life and philosophy of Cicero.
Here are some books about Cicero that you might find interesting:
Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome’s Greatest Politician by Anthony Everitt: This biography is a comprehensive account of Cicero’s life and career. It is 400 pages long and was published in 2003. You can find it on Amazon for $17.99.
Selected Works by Cicero: This anthology contains some of Cicero’s most famous speeches and writings. It is 272 pages long. You can find it on Amazon for $10.99.
Imperium by Robert Harris: This novel is the first book in the Cicero trilogy. It is a fictionalized account of Cicero’s life and career as a lawyer, orator, and politician in ancient Rome. You can find it on Amazon for $14.99.
Tusculan Disputations by Cicero: This book is a series of dialogues on the nature of death, pain, grief, and other philosophical topics. It is 160 pages long. You can find it on Amazon for $13.99
On the Commonwealth and On the Laws by Cicero: This book is a political treatise that discusses the ideal form of government and the role of law in society. It is 288 pages long. You can find it on Amazon for $12.95.
Delving into his speeches, letters, and treatises will unveil deeper insights into his profound leadership principles and their remarkable pertinence to the present day.
By internalizing Cicero’s teachings, leaders like you can inspire positive change and shape a better future for your organization and community.
