Marcus Porcius Cato, often referred to as Cato the Elder (234–149 BCE), was a Roman statesman, philosopher, and historian. He is known for his practical wisdom and firm Stoic beliefs. Here are some notable quotes attributed to Cato:

1. “After I’m dead, I’d rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.”

• This reflects Cato’s belief in humility and in the value of one’s actions over external honors.

2. “Grasp the subject, the words will follow.”

• A statement on the importance of understanding over superficial eloquence.

3. “Patience is the greatest of all virtues.”

• Cato, being a Stoic, emphasized the importance of enduring hardships with fortitude.

4. “An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes.”

• This highlights the irrationality of anger, a vice heavily criticized by Stoic philosophers.

5. “Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise.”

• Cato’s reflection on how wise individuals observe and learn even from negative examples.

6. “It is a difficult matter to argue with the belly, since it has no ears.”

• This illustrates the challenge of dealing with basic human needs, particularly hunger, which overrides reason.

7. “The best way to keep good acts in memory is to refresh them with new ones.”

• A reminder of the importance of continually striving to do good.

These quotes encapsulate Cato’s philosophy of self-discipline, humility, and the Stoic ideals of virtue and wisdom.

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Certainly! Here are some notable quotes and sayings attributed to Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger, two influential figures in ancient Rome.

Cato the Elder (Marcus Porcius Cato Censorius)

1. “Carthago delenda est.”

Translation: “Carthage must be destroyed.”

Context: Cato the Elder famously ended his speeches with this phrase, emphasizing his belief that Rome’s rival, Carthage, posed a continual threat.

2. “Grasp the subject, the words will follow.”

Meaning: Understanding a topic deeply will naturally lead to effective communication.

3. “Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise.”

Insight: Observing the mistakes of others can provide valuable lessons.

4. “After I’m dead, I’d rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.”

Reflection: Preferring a legacy of substance over one of vanity.

Cato the Younger (Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis)

1. “I begin to speak only when I’m certain what I’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.”

Emphasis on discretion: Highlighting the virtue of thoughtful speech.

2. “An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes.”

Observation on anger: Anger can blind judgment and lead to rash actions.

3. “Consider it the greatest of all virtues to restrain the tongue.”

Stoic principle: Valuing self-control and the power of silence.

4. “I would rather suffer wrong than do one.”

Moral stance: Upholding integrity even at personal cost.

Please note that while these quotes are widely attributed to Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger, exact phrasing may vary due to translations and historical record-keeping. These sayings reflect their philosophies on virtue, wisdom, and conduct.

I hope these insights into their thoughts and beliefs are helpful

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When the Stoic philosopher Seneca talks about Cato, he is referring to Cato the Younger (Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis). Cato the Younger was known for his strong Stoic principles, unyielding commitment to Roman republican ideals, and his resistance to Julius Caesar’s rise to power. His life and death were seen as the embodiment of Stoic virtue, particularly for his emphasis on personal integrity, duty, and rational control over emotions.

Cato the Younger’s most famous act was his dramatic suicide in 46 BCE in Utica, refusing to live under Caesar’s rule after his defeat in the civil war. This act of defiance became a symbol of Stoic virtue and moral integrity, influencing Stoic philosophers like Seneca. For Seneca and other Stoics, Cato was a model of someone who prioritized virtue over life itself.

Seneca, in particular, praised Cato the Younger as an ideal Stoic sage. In his letters and essays, he often referenced Cato’s unwavering principles, courage, and commitment to virtue as the highest good, holding him up as an example of Stoic endurance and moral fortitude.