“Our character is not so much the product of race and heredity as of those circumstances by which nature forms our habits, by which we are nurtured and live.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Our character is not so much the product of race and heredity as of those circumstances by which nature forms our habits, by which we are nurtured and live.”
Explanation
This quote presents a clear rejection of determinism based on race or heredity, asserting instead that character is shaped primarily by environment, upbringing, and life experience. Cicero suggests that while inborn traits may exist, it is the conditions in which we are raised—the customs, education, and experiences—that truly mold our moral and personal development. This view aligns with the belief in human plasticity and the power of habit to shape identity.
In the Roman philosophical tradition, and especially in Cicero’s ethical writings, there is a consistent emphasis on virtue as something acquired through reason, education, and deliberate practice, not something fixed by birth. The quote reflects Cicero’s alignment with Stoic and Academic teachings, which held that all humans possess the capacity for virtue and improvement, regardless of origin. It is nurture—our training, associations, and societal norms—that most profoundly influence our behavior and choices.
This insight continues to hold relevance in contemporary debates about nature versus nurture, especially in discussions of education, social equity, and human potential. Cicero’s view challenges assumptions of inherent superiority or inferiority, promoting instead a universal capacity for growth and ethical refinement. His words reinforce the belief that with the right conditions and guidance, individuals can rise above circumstances and shape their own character through conscious effort and moral learning.
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