Selections from the Writings of Cicero

By: Marcus Tullius Cicero

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Roman statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero wrote on a wide range of subjects, from Greek philosophy to moral duty to friendship. Though he considered philosophy secondary to politics and often used his writings for explicit political ends, his work has nevertheless been widely read for over two thousand years and has influenced everything from the culture of the Renaissance to the ideals of the founding fathers of the United States. This edition contains three of Cicero's best-known works.

In "On Friendship," from his Treatises on Friendship and Old Age, Cicero examines the nature of true friendship, which he considers to be based on virtue and dependent upon honesty, truth, and trust. In De Officiis, or "On Duties," written as a letter to his son, Cicero shares his beliefs about the potential conflicts between moral obligation and expedience. Finally, "Scipio's Dream," the sixth book of On the Republic, describes a fictional dream vision of the Roman general Scipio Aemilianus, set two years before the destruction of Carthage in 146 BC.

Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor

Relevant for life today.

The background information in chapter 1 and on friendship is interesting but also a bit tedious. The narrative background information becomes helpful for context. The writings of Cicero, though translated are clear, easily understood, and relevant principles for today. The narrator does an excellent job.

Interesting Cicero, not so good reader

Would you consider the audio edition of Selections from the Writings of Cicero to be better than the print version?

yes

What other book might you compare Selections from the Writings of Cicero to and why?

I don't compare Cicero, who would want to do that?

What didn’t you like about Robertson Dean’s performance?

Can't pronounce Latin, doesn't understand what Cicero was talking about. This is a not a particularly good translation

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yawn.

Any additional comments?

I suppose we should be thankful for any Cicero. Next time get a reader who understands Cicero.The last section of the audio book, Scipio's Dream, should have been left out..........it was not Cicero at his finest.

Timeless wisdom

I listen to a little every morning while I drink my coffee. It’s a book that can be listened to over and over. Narration is good too.

Written 2000 years ago for the modern reader

Cicero's treatease on friendship should be read by everyone who has real friends and he would greatly relate. The letters to his are a jewel and should be obligatory reading material in high school and colleges, it is a simple roadmap to a simpler and more fulfilling life while maintaining the common good.

The parts on friendship were the most interesting

The parts on friendship were the most interesting. Its interesting how some insights to people are so old.