How ought I to live if I aspire to be a leader and make an impact on the people around me? Is there such a thing as human nature? If so, what follows from this? How should I act if what is good conflicts with what is useful to me and why?
In De Officiis (‘On Duties’, ‘On Obligations’), drawing primarily from Stoic moral philosophy, Marcus Tullius Cicero presents a view about what the best kind of life looks like, what is most fitting for us, given our common human nature. His hopes were primarily to help his son Marcus live a better life and prepare for a successful political career, one that would genuinely serve the Roman people.
Little did Cicero know the influence his text would have: not just on Roman politicians, but on Christian theologians, Renaissance humanists, Enlightenment philosophers and more. Indeed, Stoic philosophy is once again in vogue.
Join us to see why so many have found Cicero’s life wisdom to be of enduring value.
When: Tuesdays July 14th, 21st, and 28th, 8-9pm Central
Where: Meets on Zoom
Who: Undergraduates, graduate students, and recent grads welcome
Email vsaenz@houstoninstitute.org for more information
