Cicero Superstar
Cicero Superstar - Mary Ann Glendon
Public service as a statesman and the pursuit of knowledge were, according to Cicero and Aristotle, the noblest callings for those with the right disposition. Unlike Aristotle, however, Cicero seemed to favour the former as statesmen ‘must actually set the conditions to foster the virtues that are necessary to a well-functioning polity’. The ideal statesman should – much like Cicero himself – let his actions be guided by philosophy and a deep reverence for Roman institutions and traditions. The author traces the life of Cicero in light of this view and suggests issues ‘that young persons with political aspirations still ponder today’. This includes (i) how to ‘style’ oneself for a political career; (ii) politics as a ‘dirty business’ which involves sacrifices in one’s private life; and (iii) the compromise between high ideals and advancing one’s cause.
© First Things (New York)