“All pain is either severe or slight, if slight, it is easily endured; if severe, it will without doubt be brief.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“All pain is either severe or slight, if slight, it is easily endured; if severe, it will without doubt be brief.”
Explanation
Cicero offers a rational framework for enduring pain, suggesting that all suffering is either bearable or short-lived. If the pain is slight, then it can be endured with patience. If the pain is severe, he argues it will likely be short in duration, possibly leading to unconsciousness or death—thus sparing prolonged agony. This Stoic-inspired reasoning is meant to diminish fear and empower courage in the face of suffering.
This perspective draws heavily on Stoic and Epicurean philosophies, which sought to free individuals from the tyranny of fear—especially fear of pain and death. Cicero, though not a Stoic himself, respected their calm and logical approach to hardship. In a time when disease, violence, and political persecution were common, such ideas served to fortify the soul against despair and encourage a dignified, rational response to misfortune.
In the modern world, Cicero’s quote remains a powerful tool for managing both physical and emotional suffering. It encourages us to reframe our experience of pain, recognizing that much of it is either manageable or temporary, and that fear often amplifies suffering more than the pain itself. His words offer a timeless reminder that resilience is found not just in strength, but in perspective.
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