proverb · Legacy record
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. – Cicero
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. – Cicero
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Gratitude called both the greatest virtue and parent of the others gives appreciation a foundational moral role. The supplied wording includes an attribution to Cicero.
What the words are saying
The attribution is retained as an anthology claim, not independently verified authorship. A useful reading considers how recognising help may support generosity and care. It does not prove every virtue arises from gratitude or make someone unworthy for finding gratitude difficult after harm.
Everyday example
Someone recognises support received and chooses a considerate response without treating appreciation as a test of another person’s worth.
When to use it
Use it as one moral perspective on appreciation rather than a universal hierarchy.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No verified attribution or universal origin of virtues in gratitude is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 727; PDF page 67; collection label: Latin
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Latin