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Cato the Younger

23quotes

Cato the Younger: A Life of Unwavering Principle


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Full Name and Common Aliases

Marcus Porcius Cato (95-44 BCE) was a renowned Roman statesman, philosopher, and historian. He is commonly known as Cato the Younger, to distinguish him from his great-grandfather Cato the Elder.

Birth and Death Dates

Born in 95 BCE, Cato the Younger lived through one of Rome's most tumultuous periods. His early life was marked by a strong sense of duty and responsibility. He died on April 4, 44 BCE, at the age of 51.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Cato the Younger was a Roman citizen and an orator, statesman, and historian. He served in various public offices throughout his life, including as quaestor (financial administrator), edile (city official), and proconsul (governor of a province).

Early Life and Background

Cato was born into a noble family and raised with the utmost respect for tradition and duty. His great-grandfather, Cato the Elder, had been a prominent statesman who played a significant role in Rome's early history. The younger Cato grew up surrounded by the echoes of his illustrious ancestor's legacy.

From an early age, Cato was drawn to philosophy and politics. He studied under some of the greatest minds of the time, including Antipater of Tarsus and Carneades of Cyrene. These influences shaped his intellectual and moral worldview, which would later guide his actions in public life.

Major Accomplishments

Cato's most notable achievements include:

Opposition to Julius Caesar: Cato was a fierce opponent of Caesar's rise to power. He spoke out against the dictator's increasing authoritarianism and warned of the dangers of unchecked ambition.
 Leadership during the Second Triumvirate: After Caesar's assassination, Cato became one of the leaders of the Second Triumvirate (alongside Mark Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus). He played a key role in shaping Roman policy during this period.
Advocacy for Republican Values: Throughout his life, Cato championed traditional Roman values, including the principles of liberty, justice, and civic responsibility.

Notable Works or Actions

Cato was a prolific writer and historian. Some of his notable works include:

"Origines": A historical account of Rome's early history, which provided valuable insights into the city-state's development.
* "Commentarii de Bello Civili" (Commentaries on the Civil War): A historical account of the conflict between Caesar and Pompey.

Impact and Legacy

Cato's unwavering commitment to principle has made him a timeless figure in Roman history. His unshakeable opposition to tyranny, his advocacy for traditional values, and his leadership during times of turmoil have earned him the admiration of generations.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Cato's life and writings continue to inspire people today because he embodied the ideals of courage, integrity, and civic responsibility. His famous phrase "Carthago delenda est!" (Carthage must be destroyed!) is often cited as an example of his unwavering commitment to principle.

In conclusion, Cato the Younger was a complex figure whose life and legacy continue to fascinate us today. His dedication to the values that defined ancient Rome has made him a lasting icon in history.

Quotes by Cato the Younger

Good-breeding is the art of showing men, by external signs, the internal regard we have for them. It arises from good sense, improved by conversing with good company.
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Good-breeding is the art of showing men, by external signs, the internal regard we have for them. It arises from good sense, improved by conversing with good company.
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Regard not dreams, since they are but the images of our hopes and fears.
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Regard not dreams, since they are but the images of our hopes and fears.
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In conversation avoid the extremes of forwardness and reserve.
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In conversation avoid the extremes of forwardness and reserve.
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I would not be beholden to a tyrant, for his acts of tyranny. For it is but usurpation in him to save, as their rightful lord, the lives of men over whom he has no title to reign.
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I would not be beholden to a tyrant, for his acts of tyranny. For it is but usurpation in him to save, as their rightful lord, the lives of men over whom he has no title to reign.
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A honest man is seldom a vagrant.
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A honest man is seldom a vagrant.
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Do not expect good from another’s death.
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Do not expect good from another’s death.
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Never travel by sea when you can go by land.
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Never travel by sea when you can go by land.
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All have the gift of speech, but few are possessed of wisdom.
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All have the gift of speech, but few are possessed of wisdom.
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Blessed be they as virtuous, who when they feel their virile members swollen with lust, visit a brothel rather than grind at some husband’s private mill.
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Blessed be they as virtuous, who when they feel their virile members swollen with lust, visit a brothel rather than grind at some husband’s private mill.
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Those magistrates who can prevent crime, and do not, in effect encourage it.
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Those magistrates who can prevent crime, and do not, in effect encourage it.
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