On Duties

by Quintus Curtius

Overview

This is the most complete, readable, and explanatory edition of Cicero's "On Duties" available in English.

“On Duties” represents the pinnacle of Western moral philosophy. Not only is it an unmatched practical guide to conduct, but it also serves as a profoundly ennobling vision of man.

Acknowledged as a supreme moral authority for many centuries, it was the second book (after the Gutenberg Bible) to be printed following the invention of the printing press.

This new English translation by Quintus Curtius was specifically designed with the needs of the modern reader in mind. It reproduces the majesty and elegance of the original, while at the same time containing features found in no other edition.

Lucid, precise, and accessible, this complete and unabridged edition contains the following special features:

1. An innovative topical organizational scheme that permits easy location of subjects and terms
2. Detailed textual notes for unfamiliar terms and historical references
3. Detailed commentaries and synopses on the text
4. Complete subject and name index
5. Additional explanatory essays

Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, and former Marine officer. He can be found at www.qcurtius.com.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578428048
Publisher:	Quintus Curtius
Publication date:	06/23/2016
Pages:	238
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Quintus Curtius is the pen name of writer and translator George Thomas. After graduating from MIT in 1990, he served as an active duty officer in the US Marine Corps for a number of years. After leaving active service, he enrolled in law school and began practicing law in 1998. He lives in Kansas City and travels frequently. His innovative and groundbreaking translations include Cicero's "On Moral Ends," "On Duties," "Stoic Paradoxes," and Sallust's "The Conspiracy of Catiline and War of Jugurtha." Curtius has also written extensively on moral philosophy, ethics, and historical subjects. His penetrating essay collections explore questions of character, leadership, and adversity that have never been more relevant to the modern era. These books include "Thirty-Seven," "Pantheon," and "Pathways." Using examples from history, personal experience, literature, and philosophy, these unique books have been described as "inexplicably inspiring." He can be found at qcurtius.com.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

The Life of Cicero

Book I: The Nature of Moral Goodness

The Nature of Man

Types of Duties

Social Obligations

Qualities of Just Men

Public Service

Warfare

Duties of Leaders

Control of Appetites

Sources of Moral Goodness

Commentary on Book I

Book II: Advantageousness

Human Bonding

Love

Generosity

Kindness

Gratitude

Factors in Balancing Advantageousness

Commentary on Book II

Book III: When Moral Goodness Comes Into Conflict With Advantageousness

Injustice

Moral Corruption

Fraud

Lust for Money and Power

Promises

Contracts

Right Conduct

Temperance, Self-Restraint, and Moderation

Commentary on Book III

Index

Editorial Reviews

This is the most complete, readable, and explanatory edition of Cicero's "On Duties" available in English.

“On Duties” represents the pinnacle of Western moral philosophy. Not only is it an unmatched practical guide to conduct, but it also serves as a profoundly ennobling vision of man.

Acknowledged as a supreme moral authority for many centuries, it was the second book (after the Gutenberg Bible) to be printed following the invention of the printing press.

This new English translation by Quintus Curtius was specifically designed with the needs of the modern reader in mind. It reproduces the majesty and elegance of the original, while at the same time containing features found in no other edition.

Lucid, precise, and accessible, this complete and unabridged edition contains the following special features:

1. An innovative topical organizational scheme that permits easy location of subjects and terms

2. Detailed textual notes for unfamiliar terms and historical references

3. Detailed commentaries and synopses on the text

4. Complete subject and name index

5. Additional explanatory essays

Quintus Curtius is an attorney, writer, and former Marine officer. He can be found at www.qcurtius.com.

From the Publisher