7.
[15]
Some one will ask, “What? were those identical great men, whose
virtues have been recorded in books, accomplished in all that learning which you are extolling
so highly?” It is difficult to assert this of all of them; but still I know what
answer I can make to that question: I admit that many men have existed of admirable
disposition and virtue, who, without learning, by the almost divine instinct of their own mere
nature, have been, of their own accord, as it were, moderate and wise men. I even add this,
that very often nature without learning has had more to do with leading men to credit and to
virtue, than learning when not assisted by a good natural disposition. And I also contend,
that when to an excellent and admirable natural disposition there is added a certain system
and training of education, then from that combination arises an extraordinary perfection of
character;
[16]
such as is seen in that god-like man, whom our
fathers saw in their time, Africanus; and in Caius Laelius and Lucius Furius, most virtuous
and moderate men; and in that most excellent man, the most learned man of his time, Marcus
Cato the elder; and all these men, if they had been to derive no assistance from literature in
the cultivation and practice of virtue, would never have applied themselves to the study of
it. Though, even if there were no such great advantage to be reaped from it, and if it were
only pleasure that is sought from these studies, still I imagine you would consider it a most
reasonable and liberal employment of the mind: for other occupations are not suited to every
time, nor to every age or place; but these studies are the food of youth, the delight of old
age; the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity; a delight at home, and
no hindrance abroad; they are companions by night, and in travel, and in the country.
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