Average Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“The wise are instructed by reason, average minds by experience, the stupid by necessity and the brute by instinct.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical treatise: “On Duties” (De Officiis), 44 BC
People are guided by different motivations: reason, experience, necessity, or instinct, reflecting varying levels of wisdom.
In simple terms: Different drives shape human behavior.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reason over base instincts.
Themes
wisdom
motivation
human nature
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education curriculum
- leadership training
- conflict resolution
- personal development
Key Concepts
rationalism
experiential learning
necessity
instinctual behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reason and instinct?
- When is necessity a valid guide?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on reason may ignore emotional intelligence.
![“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)
