[20]
But think, on the one side, of the destruction of
armies (three lately, and many others at many different times), the loss of generals (of a very able and
eminent commander recently), the hatred of the
masses, too, and the banishment that as a consequence frequently comes to men of eminent services, their degradation and voluntary exile; think,
on the other hand, of the successes, the civil and
military honours, and the victories;—though all
these contain an element of chance, still they
cannot be brought about, whether for good or for
ill, without the influence and the co-operation of our
fellow-men.
With this understanding of the influence of Fortune, I may proceed to explain how we can win the
affectionate co-operation of our fellows and enlist it
in our service. And if the discussion of this point
is unduly prolonged, let the length be compared
[p. 189]
with the importance of the object in view. It will
then, perhaps, seem even too short.
M. Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. With An English Translation. Walter Miller. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1913.
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