“As fire when thrown into water is cooled down and put out, so also a false accusation when brought against a man of the purest and holiest character, boils over and is at once dissipated, and vanishes and threats of heaven and sea, himself standing unmoved.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“As fire when thrown into water is cooled down and put out, so also a false accusation when brought against a man of the purest and holiest character, boils over and is at once dissipated, and vanishes and threats of heaven and sea, himself standing unmoved.”
Explanation
Cicero compares false accusations to fire, and a person of exceptional virtue to water that quenches and extinguishes it. The metaphor illustrates that when lies are directed at someone of unshakable moral integrity, they flare up briefly but quickly collapse under the weight of the person’s character. Even the most dramatic threats—”of heaven and sea”—cannot shake a truly virtuous individual, who remains calm, unwavering, and blameless amid chaos.
This reflects Cicero’s Stoic-influenced belief in the moral resilience of the just man. In Roman society, where reputation was crucial and public accusations could ruin lives, Cicero held that true virtue is self-evident and self-protecting. A life consistently lived in truth and honor serves as its own best defense—no lie, however loud or malicious, can endure against it for long.
In today’s world, this message speaks powerfully against slander, defamation, and character assassination. While false claims may spread rapidly, Cicero reminds us that moral clarity and a well-lived life form a shield against untruth. The enduring power of consistency, honor, and calm under fire not only defuses lies but elevates the person above the noise, demonstrating that virtue is the ultimate vindication.
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