Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 B.C.) was a prominent Roman statesman, orator, and Stoic philosopher.
Cicero’s eminence was foreseen by his nurse, while he was still a little boy. Tertullian (c. 210, W), 3.225
Cicero, following and imitating [Plato] in many instances, frequently acknowledges God and calls Him supreme. . . . [HE WRITES:] “Nothing is superior to God. Therefore, the world must be governed by Him.” Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.15
Marcus Tullius was not only an accomplished orator, but also a philosopher (for he alone was an imitator of Plato). . . . He did not hesitate to say that those gods who were publicly worshipped were men. Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.27
It is a well-known saying of Cicero: “I wish that I could as easily find out what is true as I can refute what is false.” Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.44
[SAID OF CICERO:] That greatest imitator of Plato among our [Roman] writers thought that philosophy was not for the multitudes. Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.95
What does Marcus Tullius say in his books on Offices? Does he not advise that almsgiving should not be employed at all? . . . If Cicero were now alive, I would certainly exclaim: “Here, Marcus Tullius—here you have erred from true justice! Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.174, 175
Cicero says . . . : “It is highly becoming that the houses of illustrious men should be open to illustrious guests.” Here he has committed the same error as before. . . . For the house of a just and wise man should not be open to the illustrious, but to the lowly and downcast. Lactantius (c. 304–313, W), 7.176