On the Good Life

I thoroughly enjoyed this great piece of literature & ageless philosophy. His wisdom shows that aging is a delightful treat....if you've spent your younger years wisely.

I am a huge fan of Cicero and have read many of his speeches and other writings. He is easily one of the most interesting people in the Ancient World and what sets him apart is how modern he is in his opinions and perspectives. However, this is not Cicero at his best. This was written shortly before his murder and is a series of short essays reflecting on growing old. It is written in a gossipy style and he is clearly writing for his contemporaries and references people and events with the expectation that the reader is familiar with these people and events. The translation by Franklin was retained so the spelling and capitalization is that of the 18th Century which can be a little distracting, but the notes by James Logan were appended in the back of the book and in many ways are more interesting than Cicero's writings. Neverheless, Cicero has much to say that is worth saying and just as worthwhile today as it was when he wrote it. This is a paper back book but exceedingly well done, with an embossed cover and high quality paper. At $49 I think it is rather pricey and I confess I got my copy as a gift. I gave this book four stars because of the distracting spelling, but I did enjoy the book.

This review refers to the work, -Cicero: On the GoodLife-, translated and with introductions by MichaelGrant (Penguin Classics). What is to like about this collection of sectionsof essays by Cicero? I personally favor very muchthe excellent introductions by Michael Grant, as wellas the excellent thought and expression by Cicero. Be aware that this volume contains parts of wholeworks. The parts themselves are complete, but if oneis looking for the whole work, then one should lookto the Harvard/Loeb editions of Cicero. MichaelGrant has piloted several Penguin Classics volumesof Cicero parts, so one will have to purchase severalvolumes in order to get the benefit of Mr. Grant'sinsights and translations. But those introductions, the main "Introduction" tothis volume itself, as well as the "introductions"to each of the selections are excellent. MichaelGrant not only gives you the historical and culturalcontext for Cicero himself, but he also in the main"Introduction" (as he does in other volumes hesuperintends) gives you the historical and culturalinfluence which follows after Cicero, the influenceof his works on later generations. In this particularvolume, Mr. Grant says that he starts first with "indicating how important [these works] still arefor us today." "For Cicero, through these treatises,has been the greatest of all conservers and trans-mitters of cultural values, the greatest unifyingforce of Europe, the shaper of its civilized speech." That is tall praise indeed. And, when he getsto the historical influence itself, Mr. Grant isno less emphatic. "One of the very strongest forcescontributing to the ideals of the Italian Renaissance,and thus to the whole intellectual, scientific, andsocial development of western Europe, was Cicero'sthought as interpreted by Petrarch (d. 1374)." So, if you have ever scratched your head, and/oryour mind, and/or your soul, and wondered justwhat DOES constitute the good, moral, worthy,excellent life, then Cicero is an invaluablecompanion to help you quest in search for ananswer to that most important of quandaries.

The works of cicero hold as much weight now as they did when he wrote it. This book is filled with useful tips on life in general. the only problem I have with it is it leaves out large chunks of work. Cicero's "on duties" book II is here but youd have to read "selected works" to get book III (i dont know where book I is, i presume its lost). If only penguin could have combined his works better. Otherwise dont hesitate to get this book.

Cicero's brilliance shines like a beacon though two thousand years. This book gives his thoughts on what qualities make up a good statesman,citizen, and friend. His simple yet profound thoughts are outstanding. Your time is never wasted reading Cicero.