“The eyes like sentinel occupy the highest place in the body.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The eyes like sentinel occupy the highest place in the body.”
Explanation
Cicero compares the eyes to sentinels, or guards, emphasizing their strategic position at the top of the body as a sign of their noble function. This metaphor conveys the idea that the eyes are not only physically elevated but also symbolically superior, tasked with watching, perceiving, and guiding. Just as sentinels stand watch to protect and direct, the eyes are guardians of awareness and judgment, essential to both survival and understanding.
This comparison reflects Cicero’s interest in natural order and purpose, influenced by Stoic and Platonic thought. He often described the body and soul in hierarchical terms, where each part has a function in harmony with the whole. The eyes, by virtue of their placement and function, symbolize reason, vigilance, and the connection between perception and intellect. Their prominence reinforces the idea that sight leads thought, and that our understanding of the world begins with what we see.
In today’s language, this quote highlights the enduring belief in the primacy of vision as both a physical sense and a metaphor for insight. We still speak of having “vision” in leadership or being “blinded” by emotion. Cicero’s words remind us that the body reflects deeper truths about human nature, and that seeing clearly—both literally and figuratively—is essential to wise action.
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