Tusculan Disputations 111 & IV

Abstract

This chapter provides a summary of Book III and IV of Cicero's Tusculans. It discusses how the two books deal with the question of whether the wise man (sapiens) is subject to mental distress or strong or excessive emotions. It also explains the stoic view of the wise man, to which Cicero adheres throughout, that suggests that he is virtually self-refuting. The chapter addresses questions on the isolation of mental and emotional problems, which Cicero regarded as less important than the conquest of the fear of death and the endurance of physical pain. It looks at the Roman attitude to Greek openness about homosexuality that compelled Cicero to agree with Epicurus.