Answered

Read Cicero's views on kindness and answer the question that follows.
... let us speak of kindness and generosity. Nothing appeals more to the best in human nature than this, but it calls for the exercise of caution in many
particulars: we must, in the first place, see to it that our act of kindness shall not prove an injury either to the object of our beneficence or
to others; in
the second
place, that it shall not be beyond our means; and finally, that it shall be proportioned to the worthiness of the recipient; for this is the corner-stone of justice; and
by the standard of justice all acts of kindness must be measured. For those who confer a harmful favour upon someone whom they seemingly wish to help
are
to
be accounted not generous benefactors but dangerous sycophants; and likewise those who injure one man, in order to be generous to another, are guilty of the
same injustice as if they diverted to their own accounts the property of their neighbours."
What is the central idea of this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis?
O It is cool to be kind.
O Kindness always comes with expectations.
O The value of kindness is defined by its purpose.
Most people are kind because they want something in return.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
In this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis, the central idea is that kindness should be practiced with caution and in accordance with the principles of justice. Cicero emphasizes that true kindness and generosity should not cause harm to the recipient or others. He highlights the importance of ensuring that acts of kindness are within our means, do not cause injustice, and are proportional to the worthiness of the recipient.

Cicero warns against harmful favors disguised as kindness, stating that those who harm one individual to benefit another are committing an injustice. He emphasizes that the cornerstone of kindness is justice, and all acts of kindness should be measured against this standard.

Therefore, the central idea of this excerpt is that the value of kindness is defined by its purpose and execution, and true kindness should always be aligned with the principles of justice to avoid causing harm or injustice in the process.

Other Questions