Marcus Tullius Cicero Education Quotes & Sayings

What greater or better gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth?
[Lat., Quod enim munus reiplicae afferre majus, meliusve possumus, quam si docemus atque erudimus juventutem?] — Marcus Tullius Cicero

This, therefore, is a law not found in books, but written on the fleshly tablets of the heart, which we have not learned from man, received or read, but which we have caught up from Nature herself, sucked in and imbibed; the knowledge of which we were not taught, but for which we were made; we received it not by education, but by intuition. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

The purpose of education is to free the student from the tyranny of the present. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

Though, even if there were no such great advantage to be reaped from it, and if it were only pleasure that is sought from these studies, still I imagine you would consider it a most reasonable and liberal employment of the mind: for other occupations are not suited to every time, nor to every age or place; but these studies are the food of youth, the delight of old age; the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity; a delight at home, and no hindrance abroad; they are companions by night, and in travel, and in the country. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men's [children's] minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

Let art, then, imitate nature, find what she desires, and follow as she directs. For in invention nature is never last, education never first; rather the beginnings of things arise from natural talent, and ends are reached by discipline. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

In ancient times music was the foundation of all the sciences. Education was begun with music with the persuasion that nothing could be expected of a man who was ignorant of music. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

Natural ability without education has more often raised a man to glory and virtue than education without natural ability. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

Frivolity is inborn, conceit acquired by education. — Marcus Tullius Cicero

"What greater gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth?" — Marcus Tullius Cicero