Question

Read the introduction to Cicero's De Officiis. Then respond to the question that follows.

My dear son Marcus, you have now been studying a full year under Cratippus, and that too in Athens, and you should be fully equipped with the practical precepts and the principles of philosophy; so much at least one might expect from the pre-eminence not only of your teacher but also of the city; the former is able to enrich you with learning, the latter to supply you with models. Nevertheless, just as I for my own improvement have always combined Greek and Latin studies—and I have done this not only in the study of philosophy but also in the practice of oratory—so I recommend that you should do the same, so that you may have equal command of both languages. And it is in this very direction that I have, if I mistake not, rendered a great service to our countrymen, so that not only those who are unacquainted with Greek literature but even the cultured consider that they have gained much both in oratorical power and in mental training.
You will, therefore, learn from the foremost of present-day philosophers, and you will go on learning as long as you wish; and your wish ought to continue as long as you are not dissatisfied with the progress you are making. For all that, if you will read my philosophical books, you will be helped; my philosophy is not very different from that of the Peripatetics (for both they and I claim to be followers of Socrates and Plato). As to the conclusions you may reach, I leave that to your own judgment (for I would put no hindrance in your way), but by reading my philosophical writings you will be sure to render your mastery of the Latin language more complete. But I would by no means have you think that this is said boastfully. For there are many to whom I yield precedence in the knowledge of philosophy; but if I lay claim to the orator's peculiar ability to speak with propriety, clearness, elegance, I think my claim is in a measure justified, for I have spent my life in that profession.
And therefore, my dear Cicero, I cordially recommend you to read carefully not only my orations but also these books of mine on philosophy, which are now about as extensive. For while the orations exhibit a more vigorous style, yet the unimpassioned, restrained style of my philosophical productions is also worth cultivating. Moreover, for the same man to succeed in both departments, both in the forensic style and in that of calm philosophic discussion has not, I observe, been the good fortune of any one of the Greeks so far, unless, perhaps, Demetrius of Phalerum can be reckoned in that number—a clever reasoner, indeed, and, though rather a spiritless orator, he is yet charming, so that you can recognize in him the disciple of Theophrastus. But let others judge how much I have accomplished in each pursuit; I have at least attempted both.

In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, identify Cicero's purpose for writing this passage and explain how textual evidence supports this purpose.

Answer 1

Cicero's purpose in this passage is to advise and guide his son, Marcus, on the importance of a well-rounded education that combines both Greek and Latin studies. He encourages Marcus to continue his philosophical studies under Cratippus in Athens while also recommending the reading of Cicero's own philosophical books to enhance his command of the Latin language.

Cicero emphasizes the value of combining oratorical skills with philosophical knowledge, presenting himself as an example of someone who has excelled in both areas.

The textual evidence supporting this purpose is found in Cicero's recommendation for Marcus to read not only his orations but also his philosophical works, asserting that his philosophical style, though different from his orations, is worth cultivating for a comprehensive mastery of language and expression.

Cicero's intention is to guide Marcus in becoming not just a philosopher but a well-spoken and eloquent individual.