Cicero, For Milo 11
What it means
Cicero argued that a man ambushed may defend himself without waiting for a court. It is also a warning: violence pushes law aside. Protect the rules most when tempers run highest.
The source
"In war, the laws fall silent." Cicero said it in For Milo 11. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
"Silent enim leges inter arma"Original Latin, For Milo 11. 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 "In war, the laws fall silent." mean?
- Cicero argued that a man ambushed may defend himself without waiting for a court. It is also a warning: violence pushes law aside. Protect the rules most when tempers run highest.
- Who said "In war, the laws fall silent."?
- Cicero (106–43 BC). Source: For Milo 11.
- What is the original Latin?
- Silent enim leges inter arma. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
- Is "In war, the laws fall silent." 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
"In war, the laws fall silent." (Cicero, For Milo 11, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/in-war-the-laws-fall-silent
Filed under Quotes about discipline and grit.
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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 true friend is a second self.On Friendship 80
- 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