I LOVE physical books. I love the feeling of having them in the hands, flipping through the pages and using a pen to scribble down notes and highlights. But I must admit that when it comes to notes and highlights, then my Kindle is a lot more practical.

What you see below here is all the sections I highlighted when reading through the book “On Duties” by Cicero. Under a few of them I will add some of my notes and comments.

Generally I can recommend the book. It is possible to get it for free from here: Project Gutenberg

But it is not one filled with gems. There are good parts and interesting points most of which I have highlighted below. So you can get a good idea about the book from the quotes here.

As I remember this part from the book the underlying point was that philosophy should be used for understanding how to live better, act better and generally have a focus on practical applications instead of semantic tail chasing.

Again underlining the point that there is no meaning in chasing study or philosophy for its own sake it has to be “acted out in World”

We are social animals.

In the book he gives an example where a truce is made for 30 days but one general ravages the others fields at night, claiming innocence because the truce stipulated “days” and not “nights”. But everyone was very well aware of the meaning.

This quote above has aged well. As prominent today as back then.

Very important in all walks of life. When nothing is wrong, do very little, any action has the ability to put everything at risk. When emergency strikes never be afraid to act and do a lot.

Ego is the enemy.

I think the World would be a better place if more politicians agreed and understood the above.

Compulsory CEO training?

Another quote highlighting community and practice over theory.

Cooperation and community again.

Beautiful quote.

Who are you when nobody is watching?

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