On the Good Life (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Marcus Tullius Cicero (Author), Michael Grant (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1971 | ISBN-10: 0140442448 | ISBN-13: 978-0140442441

For the great Roman orator and statesman Cicero, the good life' was at once a life of contentment and one of moral virtue and the two were inescapably intertwined. This volume brings together a wide range of his reflections upon the importance of moral integrity in the search for happiness. In essays that are articulate, meditative and inspirational, Cicero presents his views upon the significance of friendship and duty to state and family, and outlines a clear system of practical ethics that is at once simple and universal. These works offer a timeless reflection upon the human condition, and a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest thinkers of Ancient Rome.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

About the Author

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was born at Arpinium to a wealthy local family. By 70 BC he had established himself as the leading barrister in Rome, and begun his political career. His ambition was such that he was able to receive honours usually only given to members of the Roman aristocracy. Michael Grant has successively been Chancellor's Medallist and Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Professor of Humanity at Edinburgh University, first Vice-chancellor of Khartoum University, President and Vice-chancellor of the Queen's University, Belfast and President of the Classical Association.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (September 30, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140442448
• ISBN-13: 978-0140442441
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Latin

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wise choice as a Cicero starter, July 29, 2002

By 

Cesar Cruz (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On the Good Life (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Although "On the Good Life" is a hodgepodge of Cicero's essays, there are a few reasons why this book is a must buy. First, these are Cicero's words, some of the best writing to come from ancient Rome. Second, the essays are a great introduction to Cicero's immense collection of essays, speeches, and letters. His literary productive output was vast. Finally, Michael Grant's translation and introduction is of the highest quality.

A lot can be said about the selection of the essays - why would Michael Grant pick a Book Five (Discussions at Tusculum) and a Book Two (On Duties) instead of a complete collection of each? Where's the rest of these works? Frankly, it didn't matter to me. Once I began reading "On the Good Life" I was hooked. This book converted me into a lifelong Cicero fan and Grant's translations (through Penguin Classics) are my primary sources for his works. I have five Cicero books from Penguin Classics so far.

My favorite essay was "On Friendship." I would recommend it to anyone. It is wise, philosophical, and applicable to everyone even today. The rest of the essays were also fantastic with the exception - my opinion only - of "On the Orator." That I could have done without. It was a little too long and way too dry. I wish Michael Grant had squeezed in some other essay of Cicero's.

There are more comprehensive translations of Cicero but "On the Good Life" is a wise choice as a Cicero starter. If you enjoy classic literature and you haven't read Cicero, start here.

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old Tully Can be a Bit Overbearing, July 21, 2000

By 

Bruce Kendall "BEK" (Southern Pines, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On the Good Life (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

This is not one of those tomes I return to frequently, but when I do I am usually rewarded with a precept or an insight I overlooked the first time or which I have subsequently forgotten. Tully never let his mind drift off into the clouds. He is the arbiter of common sense and reason, above all, reason. He is a lawyer through and through. He will argue his case and expects no rebuttal. If in a given epistle, friend or foe should pose an objection to his line of reasoning, rather than engage in protracted debate, as Socrates might, Cicero delivers a few pithy rejoinders and the matter is settled:

"Cicero: ' Ah, you're trying to refute me by quoting things I've said or written myself. That's confronting me with documents that have already been sealed! You can reserve that method for people who only argue according to fixed rules. But I live from one day to the next! If something strikes me as probable, I say it; and that is how, unlike everyone else, I remain a free agent.'" Easy for him to say, and adroitly skating around any further discussion of the subject. Case closed! And if you come at me tomorrow, I may employ an entirely different line of reasoning. This is one reason Cicero used to be required reading for debate students.

Actually that is Tully at his least didactic, as his entire raison-d'etre was to teach. And his texts, coming down to us primarly in epistolatory form, do instruct us how to behave, how to interact, how to be civilized and live according to the Aristotelean Golden Mean. Luckily, they weren't sealed up as his law documents were. Virgil's ideal of "pietas" was derived in large part from Roman fathers of Cicero's ilk.

This book cannot be dismissed and should be required reading for anyone entering the law profession today. There might be more scrupulous attorneys practicing today if Ciceronian ethics were stressed as they were in olden days. This book is also full of common sense advice, the kind that used to be passed down from generation to generation, yet is sorely missing in these days of instant gratification and the glorification of self.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CICERO THE SUPERB, December 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Good Life (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Cicero's brilliance shines like a beacon though two thousand years. This book gives his thoughts on what qualities make up a good statesman,citizen, and friend. His simple yet profound thoughts are outstanding. Your time is never wasted reading Cicero.