De Officiis (English)

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“The other error is that some people devote too much industry and too deep study to matters that are obscure and difficult and useless as well.” (Page 21)

“But all that is morally right rises from some one of four sources: it is concerned either (1) with the¹⁹ full perception and intelligent development of the true; or (2) with the conservation of organized society, with rendering to every man his due, and with the faithful discharge of obligations assumed; or (3) with the greatness and strength of a noble and invincible spirit; or (4) with the orderliness and moderation of everything that is said and done, wherein consist temperance and self-control.” (Page 17)

“For no phase of life, whether public or private, whether in business or in the home, whether one is working on what concerns oneself alone or dealing with another, can be without its moral duty; on the discharge of such duties depends all that is morally right, and on their neglect all that is morally wrong in life.” (Page 7)

“Nature has endowed every species¹³ of living creature with the instinct of self-preservation, of avoiding what seems likely to cause injury to life or limb, and of procuring and providing everything needful for life—food, shelter, and the like.” (Page 13)

“to be drawn by study away from active life is contrary to moral duty” (Page 21)