“Never injure a friend, even in jest.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Never injure a friend, even in jest.”
Explanation
Cicero affirms the sanctity of true friendship, cautioning that even a joke at a friend’s expense can cause real harm. Though words spoken in jest may seem harmless, they can wound trust, expose vulnerability, or diminish the dignity of the bond. Respect and loyalty must guide all interactions with a friend, including humor, because even lighthearted cruelty undermines the foundation of affection and goodwill.
This principle is consistent with Cicero’s portrayal of friendship in Laelius de Amicitia, where he describes it as a relationship grounded in virtue, honesty, and mutual respect. For Cicero, friendship is not merely companionship—it is a moral commitment. To injure a friend, however trivial the pretense, betrays the essence of that relationship and fails to honor the shared trust it is built upon.
In the modern world, where sarcasm and playful insults often blur boundaries, Cicero’s warning is especially relevant. His words remind us that humor should never come at the cost of someone we care about, and that genuine friendship requires sensitivity and restraint. A true friend chooses words that uplift rather than wound, even in moments of levity.
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