Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 B.C.- 43 B.C.) was born on this day to a middle-class family in the country town of Arpinum (now Arpino, Italy). From a young age, his passion was the law and oratory.

He once said, "Laws are silent in war."

Deeply influenced by Greek culture, this great orator and writer inspired European literature and the philosophers who followed him, including St. Augustine, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. His letters provided a view of ancient Roman life and politics.

"It is hard for the good to suspect evil as it is hard for the bad to suspect good," Cicero said.

Cicero's life reflected the turbulent times that he lived in. An ally to General Pompey and foe of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, Cicero he was elected to the Senate. A strong leader, Cicero successfully eliminated the conspirator Catiline.

He was a staunch supporter of The Republic in its last days. Before his assassination by followers of Antony, Cicero said. "The whole life of the philosopher is a preparation for death."

More CICERO Quotations

"Where there’s life, there’s hope."