"sed tamen nullum theatrum virtuti conscientia maius est" [But yet there is no greater theatre for virtue than one's own consciousness.]
— Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 B.C. - 43 B.C.)
Work Title
Date
45 B.C.
Metaphor
"sed tamen nullum theatrum virtuti conscientia maius est" [But yet there is no greater theatre for virtue than one's own consciousness.]
Metaphor in Context
hoc igitur tibi propone: amplitudinem animi et quasi quandam exaggerationem quam altissimam animi, quae maxime eminet contemnendis et despiciendis doloribus, unam esse omnium rem pulcherrimam, eoque pulchriorem, si vacet populo neque plausum captans se tamen ipsa delectet. quin etiam mihi quidem laudabiliora videntur omnia, quae sine venditatione et sine populo teste fiunt, non quo fugiendus sit—-omnia enim bene facta in luce se conlocari volunt--, sed tamen nullum theatrum virtuti conscientia maius est.
[This then I lay down for your guidance, that a certain breadth of mind, together with the utmost loftiness of soul that can be attained, which is especially manifest in scorn and contempt for pain, is the one most excellent thing of all, and the more excellent, if it is independent of the people, and not seeking applause, finds delight in its very self. Indeed, all things seem to me more praiseworthy which are done without ostentation, and not in order to be seen by the multitude,--not that their observation is to be shunned (for everything that is well done craves to be placed in the light); but yet there is no greater theatre for virtue than one's own consciousness.]
(Book II, section 64)
[This then I lay down for your guidance, that a certain breadth of mind, together with the utmost loftiness of soul that can be attained, which is especially manifest in scorn and contempt for pain, is the one most excellent thing of all, and the more excellent, if it is independent of the people, and not seeking applause, finds delight in its very self. Indeed, all things seem to me more praiseworthy which are done without ostentation, and not in order to be seen by the multitude,--not that their observation is to be shunned (for everything that is well done craves to be placed in the light); but yet there is no greater theatre for virtue than one's own consciousness.]
(Book II, section 64)
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Date of Entry
07/09/2013
