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.”
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.
Commit to honesty, completeness, and impartiality in scholarship.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- news reporting
- documentary filmmaking
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure historical accuracy?
- How do we handle conflicting sources?
Political pressure can threaten impartiality.