Opening On the Republic — Cicero in Plato Scroll…
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Cicero · C. D. Yonge
Translated by C. D. Yonge, 1853. Composed between 54 and 51 BC as a dialogue set on the estate of Scipio Aemilianus, on the best form of state and the ideal citizen. It closes with the celebrated Dream of Scipio. Cicero introduces his subject by showing that men were not born for the mere abstract study of philosophy, but that the study of philosophic truth should always be made as practical as possible, and applicable to the great interests of philanthropy and patriotism. Cicero endeavors to show the benefit of mingling the contemplative or philosophic with the political and active life, according to that maxim of Plato—”Happy is the nation whose philosophers are kings, and whose kings are philosophers.” This kind of introduction was the more necessary because many of the ancient philosophers, too warmly attached to transcendental metaphysics and sequestered speculations, had affirmed …
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