Be brave Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
![“No man can be brave who thinks pain the greatest evil; nor temperate, who considers pleasure the highest god. [Lat., Fortis vero, dolorem summum malum judicans; aut temperans, voluptatem summum bonum statuens, esse certe nullo modo potest.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ad2/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_be-brave_no-man-can-be-brave-who-thinks-pain-the_892398.jpg)
“No man can be brave who thinks pain the greatest evil; nor temperate, who considers pleasure the highest god. [Lat., Fortis vero, dolorem summum malum judicans; aut temperans, voluptatem summum bonum statuens, esse certe nullo modo potest.]”
About This Quote
Source Speech: De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum, 45 BC
True bravery avoids pain as evil, and temperance avoids pleasure as supreme; extremes are misguided.
In simple terms: Balance, not extremes, defines virtue.
Key Takeaway
Seek moderation in pain and pleasure.
Themes
philosophy
virtue
moderation
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- moral education
- psychological counseling
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
stoicism
ethical balance
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does pain play in personal growth?
- How can pleasure be enjoyed responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on moderation may suppress healthy passions.
![“[C]ourage is reckoned the greatest of all virtues; because, unless a man has that virtue, he has no security for preserving any other.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e50/samuel-johnson-50_be-brave_c-ourage-is-reckoned-the-greatest-of-all_2699825.jpg)
![“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)
![“Before [Hindus and Moslems] dare think of freedom, they must be brave enough to love one another, to tolerate one another's religion, even prejudices and superstitions, and to trust one another. This requires faith in oneself.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd7/mahatma-gandhi-23_be-brave_before-hindus-and-moslems-dare-think-of_68442.jpg)
