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Dare Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero

“The first law for the historian is that he shall never dare utter an untruth. The second is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality in his writing, or of malice.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
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“The first law for the historian is that he shall never dare utter an untruth. The second is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality in his writing, or of malice.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

About This Quote

Source Treatise: De Oratore, Book I, 55 BC

Historians must avoid falsehoods, reveal all truths, and remain unbiased and free of malice.

In simple terms: Historians should be truthful, thorough, and neutral.

Key Takeaway

Commit to honesty, completeness, and impartiality in scholarship.

Themes

ethics history truth integrity objectivity

Mood

reflective serious critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • news reporting
  • documentary filmmaking
  • legal testimony

Key Concepts

philosophy epistemology journalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards ensure historical accuracy?
  • How do we handle conflicting sources?
A Different Perspective

Political pressure can threaten impartiality.

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