“Death is not natural for a state as it is for a human being, for whom death is not only necessary, but frequently even desirable.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
table of contents
Quote
“Death is not natural for a state as it is for a human being, for whom death is not only necessary, but frequently even desirable.”
Explanation
Cicero contrasts the natural mortality of human beings with the potential immortality of a state, arguing that while death is inevitable and sometimes welcome for individuals, it is not a natural or necessary outcome for political communities. A state, unlike a person, is not bound by biological limits and can endure indefinitely—so long as it is guided by justice, order, and civic virtue. Thus, the collapse of a state is not fated by nature but brought about by internal decay, corruption, or misrule.
This idea reflects Cicero’s deep commitment to the Roman Republic and the ideals of constitutional government. He viewed the state (res publica) as a moral and legal entity, sustained by law, tradition, and virtuous citizens, not something destined to die like an organism. When states fall, Cicero believed, it is usually due to failures of leadership, loss of civic duty, or moral collapse, not because of any natural life cycle.
In the modern context, this quote offers a warning and a hope. It warns that states perish when their people or leaders abandon principle, but it also suggests that political communities can be renewed and preserved through wise governance and engaged citizenship. Cicero’s insight challenges us to recognize that the health of a nation depends on human choices, and that while death may be natural for the body, the life of a state is a matter of will, wisdom, and virtue.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
