“There are more men ennobled by study than by nature.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
table of contents
Quote
“There are more men ennobled by study than by nature.”
Explanation
Cicero emphasizes that education and intellectual effort elevate more people than innate talent or noble birth ever can. While some may be naturally gifted, he argues that true refinement, wisdom, and virtue are most often the result of deliberate study and disciplined learning. Study offers a path to greatness that is accessible to all, regardless of their origins or natural ability.
This idea reflects Cicero’s deep commitment to humanistic education and the moral value of philosophy. In a Roman society that placed great importance on lineage and status, Cicero championed the view that personal merit and learning could—and should—surpass inherited privilege. He believed that the mind, when cultivated through study, was the truest source of nobility, because it produced individuals who could contribute wisely and ethically to public life.
In modern terms, this quote affirms the belief in social mobility through education. It highlights the transformative power of knowledge, suggesting that discipline, curiosity, and learning can shape a person more profoundly than genetics or background. Cicero’s insight remains a timeless endorsement of self-improvement through study as the noblest and most democratic path to excellence.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
