Cicero - 01

The classical Roman writer and politician, Cicero (106-43 BC), was a twofold
influence on the young Augustine.
In reading Cicero, Augustine first lost his interest in taking up the Christian faith.
But later, through a love of wisdom in him that was inspired by Cicero, Augustine
was attracted back to the Christian faith and to baptism by an inner calling that
finally he could no longer resist.
The influence of Cicero then pervaded in both the thought and Latin writing style of
Augustine until the day he died.
Augustine received his early education in Thagaste and then in nearby Madaura,
studying especially rhetoric (the persuasive use of language) and Latin literature.
Augustine learned to read by studying the Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BC), and he
learned to speak well by studying the Roman orator and politician, Cicero (106-43
BC).
In Carthage at about the age of nineteen Augustine fell in love with the concept of
wisdom through reading the works of Cicero.
Augustine became great admirer of Cicero, acknowledging him as "the greatest
master of Roman eloquence."
The book, Hortensius ("An Exhortation to Philosophy") was a dialogue written by
Cicero in 45 BC, and named for Q. Hortensius Hortalus (c. 110-50 BC), a friend and
fellow orator of Cicero. A full copy of Hortensius no longer exists, but there are 103
fragments or quotations of it quoted in later works - of which sixteen are in
Augustine's writings.
The book was a protreptic. In other words, it was a treatise designed to inspire in
the reader an enthusiasm for the discipline of philosophy.
The Hortensius was probably being used as an introductory manual or text book for
the philosophy that Augustine was being taught.
On reading Hortensius by Cicero, a strong desire for true wisdom was awakened in
Augustine. When he read this book, he tells us, "My spirit was filled with an
extraordinary desire for the eternal qualities of wisdom .... I was on fire then, my
God, I was on fire to leave created things behind and fly back to you, nor did I know
what you would do with me; for with you is wisdom. But that book filled me with the
love of wisdom (which is called philosophy in Greek)."
The above words from the Confessions could in fact be partially describing the
impact that Augustine realised in hindsight. As Augustine later realised, the

Hortensius taught him "to love wisdom itself, whatever it might be, and to search
for it, pursue it, hold it, and embrace it firmly" (Soliloquies 1.10.17).
eloquence
noun

[llkwnss]

1.

notable speaking ability: the ability to speak forcefully, expressively, and persuasively

2.

effective language: forceful, expressive, and persuasive language

eminent
adjective

[mminnt]

1.

of high standing: superior in position, fame, or achievement

2.

noticeable: easy to see or notice

3.

high: in a high or raised position

damnable
adjective

[dmnb'l]

1.

detestable: detestable, hateful, or extremely bad

2.

heinous: in Christian belief, deserving divine condemnation or damnation (dated)

vainglorious
adjective

[vayn glwree ss]

excessively proud: excessively proud or boastful (literary

vanity [vnntee]
(plural vanities)
noun
1.

excessive pride: excessive pride, especially in personal appearance

She is entirely free of personal vanity.

2.

something somebody is vain about: an instance or source of excessive pride

3.

futility: the state or fact of being futile, worthless, or empty of significance

4.

something futile: something that is considered futile, worthless, or empty of significance

exhortation [g zawr tysh'n]

(plural exhortations)
noun (formal)
1. something intended to urge or persuade: something said or written in order to urge somebody strongly to
do something
2. giving of advice: the giving of earnest advice or encouragement