Single Idea 5893

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People]

Full Idea

The wise man does nothing of which he can repent, nothing against his will, does everything nobly, consistently, soberly, rightly, not looking forward to anything as bound to come, is not astonished at any novel occurrence, abides by his own decisions.

Gist of Idea

A wise man has integrity, firmness of will, nobility, consistency, sobriety, patience

Source

M. Tullius Cicero (Tusculan Disputations [c.44 BCE], V.xxviii)

Book Reference

Cicero: 'Tusculan Disputations', ed/tr. King,J.E. [Harvard Loeb 1927], p.509


A Reaction

Notice that the wise man never exhibits weakness of will (an Aristotelian virtue), and is consistent (as Kant proposed), and is patient (as the Stoics proposed). But Cicero doesn't think he should busy himself maximising happiness.