Cicero's Enduring Legacy

I am in the process of reading through Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World and the chapter on the brilliant Roman statesman Cicero really captured my attention. It has reminded me about the incredible necessity of making choices and being guided by the light of principles. Anyone who aims for a public life or meaningful relationships must weigh between expediency or principles. An individual in practically every aspect of their life must learn the difference between short-term gain or long-term vision.

Cicero also used every word carefully. Words mean something and they should never be empty rhetoric. Like Mark Twain or Winston Churchill, Cicero used wit to disarm his opponents. Satire and loaded terms were used by him to discredit the opposition. When an aristocrat attempted to mock Cicero's heritage by asking "Who is your father?" Cicero replied, "I can scarcely ask you the same question since your mother has made it rather difficult to answer."

The Roman statesman's legacy heavily influenced the torchbearers of the Enlightenment. The Founding Fathers used his philosophy to create a unique form of government. Natural law, popular sovereignty and mixed government was his proscriptions for a better nation. Needless to say, the Founding Fathers took the best of Cicero and created something radical.

Most importantly, Cicero has influenced the ages through his principles and standing for truth. John Adams drew from Cicero's life by choosing the tougher things instead of taking the easier road. He defended he British soldiers after the Boston Massacre of 1775, he made peace with France and alienated friends. Whenever he made tough decisions he always took consolation in the great statesman's many sacrifices and courageous stands. Integrity and principle must always rule over political expediency and easy decisions.

I am afraid that in contemporary politics empty solutions and easy choices often win out over important stands and real change.