Abuse Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Scurrility has no object in view but incivility; if it is uttered from feelings of petulance, it is mere abuse; if it is spoken in a joking manner, it may be considered raillery.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On the Nature of Scurrility, Cicero, 44 BC
He argues that scurrility, whether petty or joking, is essentially abusive and lacks constructive purpose.
In simple terms: Scurrility is abusive, pointless.
Key Takeaway
Avoid petty insults; seek constructive dialogue.
Themes
communication
ethics
civil discourse
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- online forums
- political debates
- personal arguments
- media commentary
Key Concepts
abuse
mockery
social interaction
Questions to Reflect On
- When is humor appropriate?
- How can criticism stay respectful?
A Different Perspective
Humor can sometimes defuse tension if used carefully.
![“It's the rising tide of enmity in the country, Donald Trump attacking judges, Donald Trump attacking John McCain, Senator [Richard] Blumenthal, the town halls, the riots in Berkeley. You have got the incivility on the floor of the United States Senate. You have got just a rising tide, every single…” quote by David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/950/david-brooks-644_attacking_it-s-the-rising-tide-of-enmity-in-the-co_1528117.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)
