Chapter+23-34+Analysis

Cicero presents many arguments and positions in his book, “De Officiis: Book One”. These opinions and pieces of advice can be traced throughout history, sometimes being neglected and others times used to a person’s advantage. This is especially true in our own country’s history and these views are even apparent in today’s society.



Cicero believed that war should only be used as a tactic to maintain peace. In the time period right before the American Revolution, the colonists were in an uproar over British demands and rules, causing the country to be at constant unrest. In order to keep the colonies from becoming chaotic, a rebellion was necessary, creating war with Britain. Therefore, war was used only in an effort to maintain peace within America.



Cicero also believed that “the higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.” This can be interpreted as meaning the more power a person has, the more careful and modest they should be with it. King George III of England tightened his reign upon the American colonies too tightly and exerted his power too forcefully. In doing this, he eventually lost the colonies, which immensely damaged the British economy. Had he been more humble with his power, he might have been able to keep the colonists’ cooperation and loyalty. This abuse of power from the king affected America's government, in that all aristocratic systems were avoided.



Another of Cicero’s ideas was that beauty is often associated with health, which is extremely true in our current society. America has become so obsessed with image, threatening us with such ideas like if we are not perfectly thin then we must not be healthy. Cicero developed many ideas throughout his lifetime that commonly relate to historical events. Within our own nation’s history there are many different situations in which Cicero’s positions have impacted our society today.