“The precepts of the law are these: to live honestly, to injure no one, and to give everyone else his due.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
table of contents
Quote
“The precepts of the law are these: to live honestly, to injure no one, and to give everyone else his due.”
Explanation
Cicero distills the essence of law into three moral imperatives: honesty, non-harm, and justice. To “live honestly” calls for a life rooted in integrity and truthfulness. “To injure no one” forbids unjust actions that harm others, whether physically, materially, or reputationally. “To give everyone his due” is the principle of justice itself—ensuring that each person receives what is rightly owed, whether respect, property, or legal protection.
These precepts reflect Cicero’s deep grounding in natural law theory, which asserts that true law is based on universal reason and moral order, not merely the decrees of rulers. Influenced by Stoic thought and Roman legal tradition, Cicero believed that law must reflect and uphold ethical truth, and that its authority derives from its alignment with what is just and right for all human beings.
In the modern world, this timeless formulation still underpins civilized legal systems and human rights frameworks. It reminds us that law is not only about rules and punishment but about promoting moral conduct, protecting the vulnerable, and securing fairness. Cicero’s precepts continue to offer a clear, principled foundation for both personal ethics and public justice.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
