Affection Quote by C. Sommerville
“In the years of the Roman Republic, before the Christian era, Roman education was meant to produce those character traits that would make the ideal family man. Children were taught primarily to be good to their families. To revere gods, one's parents, and the laws of the state were the primary lessons for Roman boys. Cicero described the goal of their child rearing as "self- control, combined with dutiful affection to parents, and kindliness to kindred.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Roman Education Practices, 1st century BCE
Roman schooling aimed to instill self‑control, filial piety, and kindness, shaping ideal citizens devoted to family and state.
In simple terms: Education taught self‑control, respect for family, and kindness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑discipline and respect.
Themes
education
family
citizenship
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school curricula
- public service
- community building
Key Concepts
Roman values
moral development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can ancient virtues be applied today?
- What balance between individual freedom and duty is healthy?
A Different Perspective
Modern contexts differ; values may not align with ancient Roman ideals.
![“Quintilian [educational writer in Rome around A.D. 100] thought that the earliest years of the child's life were crucial. Education should start earlier than age seven, within the family. It should not be so hard as to give the child an aversion to learning. Rather, these early lessons would take…” quote by C. Sommerville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cce/c-sommerville-39957_age_quintilian-educational-writer-in-rome-ar_1241305.jpg)
![“[17th-century] Puritans were the first modern parents. Like many of us, they looked on their treatment of children as a test of their own self-control. Their goal was not to simply to ensure the child's duty to the family, but to help him or her make personal, individual commitments. They were the…” quote by C. Sommerville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a63/c-sommerville-39957_17th-century_17th-century-puritans-were-the-first-mod_1946579.jpg)
