A Room Without Books…

Books in Living Room - Photo By Tom Borowski

A quote from Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC), a prominent Roman philosopher, politician and political theorist of his times.

A room without books is like a body without a soul - Quote by Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero was credited as being heavily influential on Latin, transforming it from a “modest utilitarian language” into a “versatile literary medium capable of conveying abstract concepts”.

Julius Ceasar gave Cicero the great accolade of saying in relation to his works that “it is more important to have greatly extended the frontiers of the Roman spirit than the frontiers of the Roman empire.”

De Officiis

Cicero was a famous author of his time, and of his many works, the most famous ‘De Officiis’ was notable for being only the second book in history to have been to be published, following the invention of the printing press – behind only the Gutenberg Bible.

De Officiis (On Duties or On Obligations) was an essay split into three books, written the year that he died in 43 BC. The essay conveyed Cicero’s advice on how to live, behave and fulfil one’s moral obligations.


Found this post interesting? You might like our article on the 10 Oldest Surviving Books in the World, or 22 Incredible Bookshelves, Libraries and Bookcase Hacks.

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