"De Officiis" (On Duties) is a treatise written by Marcus Tullius Cicero in 44 BCE. It is composed of three books and addresses moral and ethical philosophy, particularly the best way to live, behave, and observe moral obligations. The work is significant as it combines Greek philosophy with Roman tradition, providing a comprehensive guide on duty and ethical behavior in public and private life. The translation by Walter Miller, an American classical scholar and professor of Latin, offers a readable and accessible version of Cicero's work. Miller's translation aims to preserve the rhetorical style and substance of the original Latin text while making it understandable for contemporary readers. In "De Officiis," Cicero outlines his ideas on what constitutes honorable and expedient behavior, the conflicts that arise between the two, and how to resolve these conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of moral duty and the impact of one's actions on society. The treatise has had a profound influence on Western thought, particularly in the realms of ethics, political theory, and jurisprudence.
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