“When you have no basis for an argument, abuse the plaintiff.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
table of contents
Quote
“When you have no basis for an argument, abuse the plaintiff.”
Explanation
This biting remark is likely satirical or ironic, pointing out a dishonest rhetorical tactic used when someone has no legitimate case or logical support for their position. Rather than engaging with the facts or reasoning of the issue, they resort to personal attacks or character assassination—a classic example of the ad hominem fallacy, where the speaker shifts from argument to insult. It is a tactic of desperation and manipulation, not of reason.
Though often misattributed or quoted without context, Cicero—being both a master orator and a staunch advocate for reasoned discourse—would have condemned such tactics when used in earnest. In his own speeches, such as those against Catiline or Verres, he occasionally used scathing rhetoric, but always sought to ground his attacks in substantive evidence or moral outrage, not in place of a coherent argument.
In today’s political and legal arenas, this quote remains strikingly familiar. When arguments are weak, rhetorical aggression often replaces rational debate. Cicero’s satirical observation serves as both a warning and a critique: when someone abuses rather than argues, it is usually a sign that they have nothing real to say. True persuasion lies not in volume or insult, but in clarity, evidence, and integrity.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
