# Caesar — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Caesar in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Caesar Borgia

**First appearance:** 0018-ii-of-the-origin-of-ambition-and-of-the-distinction-of-ranks

## Who they are

Roman dictator and historical figure used in moral examples.

## In the story

### [III: Of the Corruption of Our Moral Sentiments, Which Is Occasioned by This Disposition to Admire the Rich and the Great, and to Despise or Neglect Persons of Poor and Mean Condition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/iii-of-the-corruption-of-our-moral-sentiments-which-is-occasioned-by-this-disposition-to-admire-the-rich-and-the-great-and-to-despise-or-neglect-persons-of-poor-and-mean-condition)

Cited as an example of a great figure haunted by the remembrance of his crimes (Pharsalia) despite his magnanimity and dismissal of guards.

### [V: The Analysis of the Sense of Merit and Demerit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/v-the-analysis-of-the-sense-of-merit-and-demerit)

Referenced as 'a Borgia or a Nero' to exemplify perfidy and cruelty, evoking direct antipathy and indirect sympathy with the resentment of sufferers.

### [Section I: Of the Character of the Individual, So Far as It Affects His Own Happiness; or of Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-character-of-the-individual-so-far-as-it-affects-his-own-happiness-or-of-prudence)

Referenced as Caesar Borgia, whose infamous murder of four princes is discussed as an example of great crimes that went unpunished due to imprudence not being evident.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/caesar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters