Final answer:
The central idea of this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis is that d) instead of seeking revenge, we should discuss one's wrongdoings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis is that instead of seeking revenge, we should discuss one's wrongdoings.
Cicero argues that there are certain duties we owe even to those who have wronged us. He believes that the purpose of punishment is to bring the aggressor to repentance and prevent them from repeating the offense, rather than seeking revenge for its own sake.
Cicero also emphasizes the importance of discussion over physical force in settling disputes, as the former distinguishes humans from brutes.