The Best Cato Quotes

Cato the Younger is famous for the influence he had on the politics of early Rome. This influence had its basis in Cato’s strong Stoic affinity. He was a rare example of a politician who didn’t just talk relentlessly but advertised his causes through action in his way of doing business and his way of being. He was remembered for what he did more than what he said. His story is well documented by the Greek biographer Plutarch in his “Life of Cato”.

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He was born in 95 BC and his life has been the subject of books, poems and plays for a thousand years. Cato was a rare breed, immune to bribery and corruption and opposed Caesar and everything he represented. He eventually took his own life when it became clear that the dictator could not be stopped. The tale of Cato’s suicide is delivered in detail in the Life of Cato and helped to put him in the Stoic hall of fame.

Cato was a true practitioner of the Stoic science and he was truly dedicated to asceticism. Having inherited a considerable fortune, he would have afforded a lavish lifestyle yet on account of his stoic bent, he was known to reject his fortune. He subjected himself to all types of endurance and maintained an excessive exercise regimen. He would endure sickness without complaint and often dressed like a beggar.

Cato was also known to be brave. Before reaching political fame, at the age of 28, he commended his own legion. He is said to have marched next to his horse instead of riding it. He would sleep in the trenches with his men and be always on the front line in battle.

During 46 BC, with Caesar’s rise to power, Cato the Younger gave up his struggle. He retired to his chambers and then tragically took his own life.

More stoic quotes from Cato to reflect on

Bitter are the roots of study, but how sweet their fruit. – Marcus Porcius Cato

An honest man is seldom a vagrant. – Marcus Porcius Cato

Consider in silence whatever any one says: speech both conceals and reveals the inner soul of man. – Marcus Porcius Cato

Flee sloth; for the indolence of the soul is the decay of the body. – Marcus Porcius Cato

I will begin to speak, when I have that to say which had not better be unsaid. – Marcus Porcius Cato

“After I’m dead I’d rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.”
― Marcus Porcius Cato

In doing nothing men learn to do evil. – Marcus Porcius Cato

“Wise men profit more by fools than fools by wise men.” ― Marcus Porcius Cato

“He who hesitates is lost.” ― Marcus Porcius Cato