In Cicero’s “On Friendship”, Cicero first explains how he heard the speech that Laelius gave. He then celebrates the friendship he had with Atticus and records the dialogue between Laelius and other characters as a representation of the friendship he had with Atticus. Through reading the dialogue the reader can determine that Laelius truly loved his friend. Furthermore, this dialogue displays the way the Romans viewed and defined friendship while also displaying the value in having a good friend. Cicero utilizes this dialogue to convey that the Romans considered friendship as a treasure that should be cherished. Although an imperialistic society set on taking resources from others to further their cause, the Romans put a high value on friendship.
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According to the dialogue, Laelius believes that the longing for friendship is from human instinct and not from personal inadequacy. He continues explain that these amazing friendships take constant work because they can be torn apart very easily. Laelius reveals this through the conversation of himself and Scipio stating that it “requires not only wisdom bet good luck to escape them all” (refering to obstacles in a frienship). Using historical evidence, Laelius explains how many of the fallen kings of Rome were abandoned by their friends in a time of need. This furthers his point that man cannot stand alone against adversity. He also explains that friends exchange gifts and one friend can destroy the friendship by asking for something immoral. Here Laelius reveals to the reader that Romans give many gifts to a friend. Furthermore, this displays the importance of having friends, not only as a close kinship but also as an aid in difficult times. This does not however, insist that one should seek friendship solely for personal gain. He continues by revealing three opinions that he finds true to the nature of friendship. The first being “we should love our friend …show more content…
The Romans were constantly looking for people to connect with just like people in modern day. However, the Romans were trying to establish long lasting relationships instead of acquaintances. They understood the necessity of having friends and the benefits that came with it. This overall theme of friendship is what propelled them to such a large nation. They realized that friends could offer support and encouragement when they needed it most. For the Romans, friendship was a way of life. They used it in everyday life, from politics to the military. This nation that was unified, aided one another and resulted in mass expansion and a thriving civilization. By perfecting this friendly culture the Romans we’re able to conquer most of the known world. In Cicero’s “On Friendship” the reader can come to the understanding that Rome was built on friendship and a part of their everyday
According to the dialogue, Laelius believes that the longing for friendship is from human instinct and not from personal inadequacy. He continues explain that these amazing friendships take constant work because they can be torn apart very easily. Laelius reveals this through the conversation of himself and Scipio stating that it “requires not only wisdom bet good luck to escape them all” (refering to obstacles in a frienship). Using historical evidence, Laelius explains how many of the fallen kings of Rome were abandoned by their friends in a time of need. This furthers his point that man cannot stand alone against adversity. He also explains that friends exchange gifts and one friend can destroy the friendship by asking for something immoral. Here Laelius reveals to the reader that Romans give many gifts to a friend. Furthermore, this displays the importance of having friends, not only as a close kinship but also as an aid in difficult times. This does not however, insist that one should seek friendship solely for personal gain. He continues by revealing three opinions that he finds true to the nature of friendship. The first being “we should love our friend …show more content…
The Romans were constantly looking for people to connect with just like people in modern day. However, the Romans were trying to establish long lasting relationships instead of acquaintances. They understood the necessity of having friends and the benefits that came with it. This overall theme of friendship is what propelled them to such a large nation. They realized that friends could offer support and encouragement when they needed it most. For the Romans, friendship was a way of life. They used it in everyday life, from politics to the military. This nation that was unified, aided one another and resulted in mass expansion and a thriving civilization. By perfecting this friendly culture the Romans we’re able to conquer most of the known world. In Cicero’s “On Friendship” the reader can come to the understanding that Rome was built on friendship and a part of their everyday