Marcus Tullius Cicero was a renowned Roman statesman and philosopher known for his eloquence and influence on Latin literature and politics. His notable works include On the Republic and On Duties, texts fundamental to understanding classical rhetoric and philosophy.
If you enjoy reading books by Marcus Tullius Cicero then you might also like the following authors:
Demosthenes was a powerful speaker and statesman in ancient Athens, famed for his clear, persuasive style and passionate speeches supporting democracy and resistance to tyranny.
If you admire Cicero's eloquence and political intensity, you might enjoy Demosthenes' Philippics, fiery speeches aimed at warning Athens about Philip II of Macedonia's threat—a direct and influential model for Cicero's later speeches against Mark Antony.
Quintilian was a thoughtful Roman educator and rhetorician whose style emphasized clarity, moral integrity, and practical instruction in effective speaking. Fans of Cicero's sophisticated yet approachable approach to rhetoric might appreciate Quintilian's Institutio Oratoria.
This comprehensive guide offers detailed advice on how to speak persuasively while maintaining moral authority—ideas that resonate strongly with Cicero's own views.
Pliny the Younger was a Roman senator and letter-writer known for his vivid descriptions and detailed accounts of daily life in Rome. His style is thoughtful and polished, always approachable and engaging.
If you enjoy Cicero's candid viewpoints and engaging prose, you might find similar pleasure in Pliny's Letters. Here Pliny covers everything from politics to friendship to dramatic accounts like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Seneca the Younger wrote insightful philosophical texts that explore Stoic principles, ethics, and practical wisdom. His straightforward and personal style makes philosophy accessible and engaging.
If you value Cicero's discussions in practical philosophy, Seneca's Letters to Lucilius is a natural choice. This work offers down-to-earth reflections on how to lead a good life, balancing philosophical insights with relatable observations.
Julius Caesar, besides being a military commander and political figure, was an accomplished writer known for his direct and crisp prose. Like Cicero, he excelled at clear thought and organized presentation, but with a distinctly unembellished, factual style.
Readers who appreciate Cicero's straightforwardness might enjoy Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War. In this work, Caesar recounts his military campaigns with clarity, precision, and powerful narrative structure.
If you enjoy Cicero's style of vivid storytelling and his insight into Roman values, you'll likely appreciate Livy. His greatest work, Ab Urbe Condita, provides an extensive history of Rome from its founding through the reign of Augustus.
Livy writes in a clear, narrative-driven manner, placing a strong emphasis on moral lessons and Roman virtues.
Tacitus is a good choice if you're drawn to Cicero's sharp observation and critical perspective on politics and morality. In Annals, Tacitus examines the Roman Empire's leadership, revealing imperial corruption, tyranny, and moral decline.
His concise, powerful style offers insightful criticism about power and human nature.
Fans of Cicero interested in gripping narratives about political maneuvering will find Sallust intriguing. His focused historical approach is evident in The Conspiracy of Catiline, which is short and intense.
Sallust highlights human ambition, greed, and moral corruption with direct, concise language, painting a vivid picture of human character and political struggle.
If you appreciate Cicero's emphasis on traditional Roman virtues, Cato the Elder might appeal to you.
His notable work, De Agri Cultura, deals practically and plainly with farming and rural life, but at its core reflects traditional ideals of hard work, discipline, and simplicity.
Cato's straightforward style and conservative viewpoints echo Cicero's own belief in Rome's moral foundations.
Varro is great for readers who enjoy Cicero's intellectual curiosity and breadth of scholarly interest. Varro wrote on various topics from agriculture to language.
His work De Lingua Latina, explores the Latin language itself, combining a scholarly approach with accessible language, giving readers a clear understanding of Rome's cultural heritage.
Augustine was a thoughtful philosopher who reflected deeply on morality, society, and human nature. Like Cicero, he explored ideas through clear and persuasive arguments, drawing from both philosophy and rhetoric.
His Confessions is a personal and philosophical work, where Augustine openly examines his struggles and journey toward faith, shaping Western views on self-awareness and truth.
Boethius combined philosophy with a clear, accessible style that resonates even today. His reflections on fate, justice, and personal happiness share Cicero's clarity and thoughtful reasoning.
In his most famous work, The Consolation of Philosophy, he offers insight and comfort, presenting philosophy as a source of resilience and wisdom during hard times.
Petrarch admired and imitated Cicero's elegant style, clarity of thought, and humane values. He explored personal introspection and moral reflection through eloquent letters and essays, reviving classical ideals during the Renaissance.
In Secretum, Petrarch presents an imaginary dialogue influenced by Cicero, honestly examining his inner world and seeking answers to life's big questions.
Erasmus crafted sharp, insightful writing filled with wit and clear reasoning. Like Cicero, he was skilled at using rhetoric to address important social issues and human folly.
In his satirical work, In Praise of Folly, Erasmus cleverly criticizes society's hypocrisy and intellectual pretensions, calling for reason, tolerance, and self-awareness.
Thomas More, known for his clear reasoning and humane perspective, wrote thoughtfully about society and morality, much like Cicero.
In his famous work Utopia, More critiques political and social issues, imagining an ideal society guided by reason and virtue, sparking readers to reflect critically on their own communities and values.