“In so far as the mind is stronger than the body, so are the ills contracted by the mind more severe than those contracted by the body.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“In so far as the mind is stronger than the body, so are the ills contracted by the mind more severe than those contracted by the body.”
Explanation
This quote draws a powerful comparison between the mind and the body, emphasizing that because the mind possesses greater strength and influence, its afflictions are correspondingly deeper and more painful than physical ones. Cicero argues that while bodily suffering can be acute, mental suffering—such as anxiety, guilt, grief, or despair—can be more enduring, complex, and difficult to heal. The very superiority of the mind makes its wounds more consequential.
In his philosophical writings, especially in Tusculan Disputations, Cicero explored the nature of human suffering and the pursuit of peace through virtue and reason. He was influenced by Stoicism, which taught that mental suffering arises not from events themselves, but from our judgments about them. Thus, while physical pain may be unavoidable, mental suffering is both more powerful and more subject to philosophical mastery—but only if recognized and addressed wisely.
In today’s understanding of psychology and well-being, Cicero’s insight remains remarkably prescient. Mental health is now widely acknowledged as central to overall well-being, and conditions like depression or trauma are understood to have profound effects, often greater than physical illness. His quote reminds us that tending to the mind with care, discipline, and reflection is essential, and that inner affliction, if left untreated, can be the deepest form of human pain.
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