“The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.”
Explanation
Cicero defines wisdom as the ability to discern moral truth, emphasizing that its primary role is to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. This act of discrimination is not merely intellectual but deeply ethical—requiring reflection, judgment, and a commitment to justice. True wisdom, in his view, lies not in knowledge alone but in the moral clarity and courage to choose the good.
This idea is rooted in Cicero’s alignment with Stoic and Platonic thought, where virtue is considered the highest good and the wise person is one who lives in harmony with reason and nature. In the tumultuous political life of late Republican Rome, Cicero repeatedly invoked wisdom not as abstraction, but as a practical guide to ethical public service, urging leaders to rise above self-interest and govern by clear moral standards.
In today’s world—marked by complex ethical dilemmas, misinformation, and competing values—this quote calls for moral discernment guided by principle, not popularity. Whether in leadership, education, or personal life, wisdom means having the strength to see clearly in a morally gray world and to act decisively for what is just and true. It is a reminder that knowledge without ethical judgment is powerless, and that wisdom fulfills its purpose only when it serves the good.
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