“When you are aspiring to the highest place, it is honorable to reach the second or even the third rank.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“When you are aspiring to the highest place, it is honorable to reach the second or even the third rank.”
Explanation
Cicero teaches that the pursuit of excellence is itself a noble endeavor, even if one does not achieve the very top. Setting one’s sights on the highest goals—whether in virtue, leadership, or accomplishment—is commendable, and to attain even a high but lesser position is still a mark of honor and merit. Effort and ambition, when directed toward worthy aims, retain their dignity regardless of final rank.
This reflects Cicero’s broader belief in moral aspiration and the dignity of striving. As a Roman statesman and philosopher, he knew that not everyone could be first, but that those who aimed high and conducted themselves with integrity elevated themselves and others. For Cicero, success is not merely about outcome, but about the virtue of the attempt, the quality of character shown in striving for greatness.
In contemporary life, this quote offers a healthier perspective on ambition and achievement. It reminds us that honor lies not only in being number one, but in pursuing noble goals with courage, effort, and resilience. Even if we fall short of the highest position, the journey still shapes us, builds character, and earns respect—often more than victory itself.
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