“Nature has planted in our minds an insatiable longing to see the truth.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Nature has planted in our minds an insatiable longing to see the truth.”
Explanation
This quote asserts that the desire to understand truth is an innate part of human nature. Cicero claims that we are born not merely to live or to feel, but to seek knowledge, meaning, and clarity. The phrase “insatiable longing” highlights the depth and persistence of this drive—a hunger for truth that cannot be fully satisfied, yet continually compels us to question, learn, and explore. It elevates the pursuit of truth as a defining feature of the human mind.
In Cicero’s philosophical outlook, influenced by Platonism and Stoicism, the mind is seen as naturally oriented toward reason and the discovery of universal principles. This quote reflects his belief in a moral and intellectual order embedded in nature, which humans are uniquely capable of perceiving through rational inquiry. For Cicero, truth was not merely factual correctness, but an alignment with what is eternal, just, and noble—something that gives purpose to both public service and private study.
Today, this idea resonates in science, philosophy, journalism, and education. The quest for truth remains central to human progress, even in an age challenged by misinformation and relativism. Cicero’s words remind us that our desire for truth is not a learned behavior, but a fundamental part of who we are, and that fulfilling this longing gives meaning to our intellectual and ethical lives.
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