De Amicitia, Scipio's Dream

Name: De Amicitia, Scipio's Dream
Author: Marcus Tullius Cicero

By Marcus Tullius Cicero

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About This Book

A conversational treatise opens with a bereaved friend reflecting on the nature and duties of friendship, defining true friendship as a bond among the good, considering its origins, practical benefits, proper limits, tests for choosing companions, obligations across social differences, and the threats posed by flattery and self-interest, while insisting on candid truthfulness between friends. A linked visionary dialogue describes a dream encounter that reveals an ordered cosmos, the music of the spheres, the five climatic zones, the transience of earthly fame, the immortality of the soul, and the moral training required to attain a blessed afterlife.

About the Author

Marcus Tullius Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BCE) was a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher whose works have significantly influenced Western thought. Known for his mastery of rhetoric, Cicero's writings cover a range of topics including philosophy, politics, and ethics. His notable works include "Academica," which explores the nature of knowledge, and "De Officiis," a treatise on moral duties. Cicero's letters, particularly those to his friend Atticus, provide valuable insights into the political landscape of the late Roman Republic. His speeches, such as those against Catilina, showcase his skills as a public speaker and advocate for the Republic.