"neither a general in war, nor a statesman in peace, could ever perform any glorious exploits, or do any notable service to the public, without the concurrence of other men's endeavors?"
"there is such a thing as natural society, which comprehends all men. . . ."
"Such things, therefore, being by nature common, should accordingly be kept open for the free use of all men; and of those which are our own we should always be giving something that may contribute to the benefit and welfare of the whole."
"Not but that a moderate desire of riches, and bettering a man's estate, so long as it abstains from oppressing others, is allowable enough; but a very great care ought always to be taken that we be not drawn to any injustice by it."
"There is no great difficulty in determining such cases; for it is certain, if you take away anything from another, though never so useless and insignificant creature. . . it is an inhuman action, and plainly contrary to the laws of nature. . . ."
"It [theft] ruins all manner of society and intercourse amongst men; since it is plain that if once men arrive at such a pass as to plunder and injure the rest of their neighbors. . . ."
"Should an ignorant body sell a quantity of gold, and suppose it to be copper; is a good man obliged to tell him that is gold, or may he buy for a penny what is worth a thousand pence?"
Cicero De Officiis
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