Cicero: Laulius de Amictia “On Friendship”
In present time, a friendship is often known to be a valuable thing in life, a friend is a gift that is cherished for those who have good friendships. A friendship is shown in various ways and has different meanings a friend is a friend who is someone outside your family who you can trust and rely on. In history there have been alliances between countries, in which it could have extended to having an acquaintance or even as a friendship agreement between leaders. In previous decades though what did friendship mean and was it valued the way friendship is presently.
Marcus Tullius Cicero was a well-known Roman senator who was exceptionally intelligent. Cicero was married to Terentia and had two children …show more content…
The de Amictia “On Friendship” was written around 44 BC after the death of Caesar (Lio 1). Cicero writes about a friendship between Caius Laelius and Scipio Africanus, after Laelius friend Scipio dies. The dialogue first takes place as Laelius as the speaker conversing with his son-in- law’s Quintus Mucius (Scaevola) and Gaius Fannius. In this dialogue it is questioning how Laelius is coping with the death of his friend Scipio, the wisdom he shares is worth conveying. Laelius expresses, “... to be severely distressed at one’s own misfortunes does not show that you love your friend, but that you love yourself” (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 5). Laelius expresses that grieve is good but to an extent and that the way you remember the person you lost is what is important. Even though Laelius felt grieve that Scipio died before him at a younger age Laelius is determined to stay optimistic for he was lucky to have had a friend like Scipio in his life (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 6). According to Sadler, Laelius was talking to Scaevola and Cicero was writing the dialogue and then it was read by Atticus and the readers …show more content…
In the times of Cicero, he wrote that often times the reason for the end of friendships was competition, rivalry for office, and reputation (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 8). Cicero wrote some common traits that people still seek in a friendship such as a real friend supports the self-esteem of their friend. Cicero goes on to write about how friends should be chosen carefully by testing the judgement of the person and the loyalty of whoever may become a friend of yours (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 11). Another issue of friendship Cicero addresses is rating friends, such as preferring a new friend compared to the old for you have more in common with the new friend (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 12). Friendship is a blessing but sometimes good things come to an end and then the friendship is ended due to various reasons such as different views or no respect. Another thing good friendship entrust is advice from your friend who may have gone through a similar situation as yourself (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 14). Friendships need certain traits such as love, affection, kindness, loyalty, and respect. Cicero’s overall statement is that virtue creates and preserves friendships (Cicero, Laelius de amictia
In present time, a friendship is often known to be a valuable thing in life, a friend is a gift that is cherished for those who have good friendships. A friendship is shown in various ways and has different meanings a friend is a friend who is someone outside your family who you can trust and rely on. In history there have been alliances between countries, in which it could have extended to having an acquaintance or even as a friendship agreement between leaders. In previous decades though what did friendship mean and was it valued the way friendship is presently.
Marcus Tullius Cicero was a well-known Roman senator who was exceptionally intelligent. Cicero was married to Terentia and had two children …show more content…
The de Amictia “On Friendship” was written around 44 BC after the death of Caesar (Lio 1). Cicero writes about a friendship between Caius Laelius and Scipio Africanus, after Laelius friend Scipio dies. The dialogue first takes place as Laelius as the speaker conversing with his son-in- law’s Quintus Mucius (Scaevola) and Gaius Fannius. In this dialogue it is questioning how Laelius is coping with the death of his friend Scipio, the wisdom he shares is worth conveying. Laelius expresses, “... to be severely distressed at one’s own misfortunes does not show that you love your friend, but that you love yourself” (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 5). Laelius expresses that grieve is good but to an extent and that the way you remember the person you lost is what is important. Even though Laelius felt grieve that Scipio died before him at a younger age Laelius is determined to stay optimistic for he was lucky to have had a friend like Scipio in his life (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 6). According to Sadler, Laelius was talking to Scaevola and Cicero was writing the dialogue and then it was read by Atticus and the readers …show more content…
In the times of Cicero, he wrote that often times the reason for the end of friendships was competition, rivalry for office, and reputation (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 8). Cicero wrote some common traits that people still seek in a friendship such as a real friend supports the self-esteem of their friend. Cicero goes on to write about how friends should be chosen carefully by testing the judgement of the person and the loyalty of whoever may become a friend of yours (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 11). Another issue of friendship Cicero addresses is rating friends, such as preferring a new friend compared to the old for you have more in common with the new friend (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 12). Friendship is a blessing but sometimes good things come to an end and then the friendship is ended due to various reasons such as different views or no respect. Another thing good friendship entrust is advice from your friend who may have gone through a similar situation as yourself (Cicero, Laelius de amictia 14). Friendships need certain traits such as love, affection, kindness, loyalty, and respect. Cicero’s overall statement is that virtue creates and preserves friendships (Cicero, Laelius de amictia