Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
““Esse quam videri - "To be, rather than to seem (to be)””
About This Quote
Source Treat: De Officiis, 44 BC
True virtue is more valuable than a mere appearance of virtue.
In simple terms: Being genuine matters more than seeming so.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize authentic character over image.
Themes
virtue
authenticity
integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
aphilosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- public service
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
ethical living
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your actions reflect your values?
- What pressures make you prioritize appearance?
A Different Perspective
None; external validation can be misleading.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
