A true friend is a second self.
Cicero, On Friendship 80
What it means
We love ourselves without needing a reward, Cicero says, and real friendship works the same way. A true friend is another you. Choose friends you would trust as you trust yourself.
The source
"A true friend is a second self." Cicero said it in On Friendship 80. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
"est enim is qui est tamquam alter idem"Original Latin, On Friendship 80. Text read at thelatinlibrary.com.
Who said it
Cicero (106–43 BC). Rome's greatest orator and a consul who saved the Republic once and died defending it. He brought Greek philosophy into Latin for everyday Romans.
Questions
- What does "A true friend is a second self." mean?
- We love ourselves without needing a reward, Cicero says, and real friendship works the same way. A true friend is another you. Choose friends you would trust as you trust yourself.
- Who said "A true friend is a second self."?
- Cicero (106–43 BC). Source: On Friendship 80.
- What is the original Latin?
- est enim is qui est tamquam alter idem. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
- Is "A true friend is a second self." on a shirt?
- Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.
Cite this line
"A true friend is a second self." (Cicero, On Friendship 80, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-true-friend-is-a-second-self
Filed under Light.
Wear it your way
The same line in every look it fits. Each one is printed to order on heavy cotton, same price.
More from Cicero
- We are not born for ourselves alone.On Duties 1.22
- Gratitude is the mother of every other virtue.For Plancius 80
- Plant trees for the next generation.On Old Age 24
- A sure friend shows up in unsure times.On Friendship 64
- A garden and a library. You need nothing more.Letters to Friends 9.4
- Philosophy is medicine for the mind.Tusculan Disputations 3.6