“Take from a man his reputation for probity, and the more shrewd and clever he is, the more hated and mistrusted he becomes.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Take from a man his reputation for probity, and the more shrewd and clever he is, the more hated and mistrusted he becomes.”
Explanation
Cicero observes that a man’s moral reputation is the foundation of public trust, and without it, even his intelligence becomes suspect and threatening. Probity, meaning uprightness and honesty, shields a person from suspicion; once lost, cleverness is no longer admired but feared, as people assume such a person might use their skills for manipulation or deceit. Thus, moral integrity is not just a private virtue but a social necessity.
In the Roman Republic, where political life depended on public perception, alliances, and oratory, a man’s character was his currency. Cicero, deeply involved in both politics and law, knew that the absence of virtue could turn ability into liability. A shrewd man without a moral compass was seen as a dangerous opportunist. The quote reflects Cicero’s belief that wisdom and talent must be governed by virtue to be trusted and respected.
In contemporary life, this truth still holds. Public figures, executives, or leaders who lose their reputation for honesty often find that their competence becomes a cause for suspicion rather than praise. Cicero’s insight reminds us that ethical credibility enhances ability, while its loss transforms intelligence into a potential threat. Probity is the anchor that keeps power from becoming peril.
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