quote · Legacy record
You have truly gained the mastery of the very stronghold of philosophy, Mother. For without doubt only for lack of words you did not elaborate on this subject as did Tullius [Cicero], whose words will follow. For in the Hortensius, the book he wrote on the praise and defense of philosophy, he said: ‘But see, surely not the philosophers but all given to argument say that those who live just as they wish are happy.’ This is definitely false; for to want what is not appropriate is the worst of all miseries. It is not so miserable not to get what you want as to want to get what you ought not. Wickedness of will brings to everyone greater evil than good fortune brings good.
You have truly gained the mastery of the very stronghold of philosophy, Mother. For without doubt only for lack of words you did not elaborate on this subject as did Tullius [Cicero], whose words will follow. For in the Hortensius, the book he wrote on the praise and defense of philosophy, he said: ‘But see, surely not the philosophers but all given to argument say that those who live just as they wish are happy.’ This is definitely false; for to want what is not appropriate is the worst of all miseries. It is not so miserable not to get what you want as to want to get what you ought not. Wickedness of will brings to everyone greater evil than good fortune brings good.
Approximate author period: c. 392 AD · classical
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- Author or tradition
- Augustine of Hippo
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
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- Approximate author period: c. 392 AD · classical
Approximate author-period anchor from life dates 354 to 430; Wikidata Q8018, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8018 (accessed 2026-10-08). Not a quotation composition date.
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Supplied reference C; CSV row 346085; supplied attribution, independently unverified
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