“The spirit is the true self. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The spirit is the true self. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes that the essence of a person lies not in their body or possessions, but in their inner spirit—the source of drive, resilience, and aspiration. The will to win and to excel are not fleeting ambitions; they are enduring traits of character that define a person’s legacy far more than external achievements or status. The spirit, in this sense, represents the eternal and defining core of identity.
While this quote resonates with classical philosophical themes, especially Stoic and Platonic ideas, it is not attributable to Cicero. Its tone and phrasing are modern, and it aligns more closely with 20th-century motivational thought, often linked to athletic or leadership contexts. Therefore, it should not be interpreted as Cicero’s authentic writing or philosophy.
Nonetheless, the message aligns with values Cicero admired—virtue, perseverance, and inner strength—which he considered central to both public life and personal fulfillment. Even if not his words, the sentiment reflects an enduring truth: what endures beyond physical decline is the moral and mental force of the individual, the spirit that chooses excellence and rises above circumstance.
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