Cato the Younger

On the Blessings of Death

Mentioned as one who would have been better off dying at sea returning from Cyprus, avoiding the humiliation of having to flee Caesar and follow Pompey.

XXII

Cited as an example of a holy man who died by self-inflicted wound, illustrating the inevitability of death.

XXV

Mentioned among the saintly company of blessed souls who welcome Marcia's son.

XXXII

Cited as an example of ignoring an insult rather than seeking revenge; when struck in a public bath, he replied he did not remember being struck.

XXXVIII

When spat upon by Lentulus while pleading, Cato wiped his face and wittily declared that men are mistaken in saying Lentulus lacks cheek.

On Exile and the Contemplation of Virtue

Mentioned as a friend of Brutus who admired Marcellus.

XIII

Mentioned as not being disgraced by his double defeat in candidature; rather, he honored the offices by his candidacy.

On Choosing Friends and the Value of True Friendship

Referenced as a figure from an age that produced both good and bad men, highlighting the context for choosing virtuous friends.

XVI

Described as a living image of virtue who fell on his sword, ripping up himself and the republic.

XVII

Mentioned as one who refreshed his mind with wine after wearying himself with state affairs, and also as being reproached with drunkenness.

On Providence

Mentioned as a model of virtue who faced adversity without complaint.

Why Do Many Things Turn Out Badly for Good Men?

Exemplar of the brave man matched with evil fortune; stands upright amid the ruins of the commonwealth and chooses a noble death.

III

Presented as a man chosen by Nature to contend with all terrors, including opposition from Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus.

I

Cited as an example of Stoic virtue and indignation at injustice, who was misunderstood and mistreated by his own age.

II

Presented as a pattern of the wise man, unconquered by vices, who upheld the falling commonwealth and perished with freedom.

VII

Cited as a real-life example of the wise man who surpasses the Stoic model.

XIV

Cited as an example of magnanimity: when struck in the face, he ignored the outrage rather than seeking revenge or forgiveness.

XVIII

Mentioned as a virtuous man who was not respected by evil speakers.

XXI

Cited as an example of a wise man who owned great wealth (four million sesterces) yet did not love it, using it as a field for virtue.

III

Referenced implicitly as an exemplar of virtue, though not named directly in this excerpt.

Can One Bestow a Benefit Upon Oneself?

Quoted for the saying 'Borrow from yourself whatever you lack,' supporting the idea of self-benefit.

XVII

Refused the praetorship and consulship by the Roman people.