[156]
And not only
while present in the flesh do they teach and train those
who are desirous of learning, but by the written
[p. 161]
memorials of their learning they continue the same
service after they are dead. For they have overlooked no point that has a bearing upon laws, customs,
or political science; in fact, they seem to have devoted their retirement to the benefit of us who are
engaged in public business. The principal thing done,
therefore, by those very devotees of the pursuits of
learning and science is to apply their own practical
wisdom and insight to the service of humanity. And
for that reason also much speaking (if only it contain
wisdom) is better than speculation never so profound
without speech; for mere speculation is self-centred,
while speech extends its benefits to those with whom
we are united by the bonds of society.
M. Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. With An English Translation. Walter Miller. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1913.
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