Even if you live such an exemplary life that people are writing books about you 2,000 years after you’re in the ground, you probably wouldn’t be happy about it, and in any case, you’d still be dead. Cato was authentic in his appearance and actions, and his behavior never passed unnoticed. He walked barefoot and unprotected in the heat and cold and rain, he learned how to remain silent in sickness and pains, and he was ridiculed because of his old-fashioned toga. At the end of the dialogue, Socrates drinks poison and dies. Cato was admired by others, especially in the military, where he was given command of a legion at age 28. This strategic gamble misfired a… Rome’s Last Citizen is a biography about Marcus Porcius Cato the Younger. Cato, resolving to follow Pompey into exile, sent his younger son to Munatius, who was then in the country of Bruttium, and took his eldest with him; but wanting somebody to keep his house and take care of his daughters, he took Marcia again, who was now a rich widow, Hortensius being dead, and having left her all his estate. 9.1", "denarius") All Search Options [view abbreviations] Home Collections/Texts Perseus Catalog Research Grants Open Source About Help. I. Cato’s family got its first lustre and fame from his great-grandfather Cato (a man whose virtue gained him the greatest reputation and influence among the Romans, as has been written in his Life), but the death of both parents left him an orphan, together with his brother Caepio and his sister Porcia. On the death of his parents, Cato was brought up in the house of his uncle Marcus Livius Drusus (tribune in 91). He wore minimal and simple clothing, and learned to endure the cold and rain. Cato’s death was so memorable that it is considered a display of uncompromising character. A human being can possess all virtues, or all vices; they cannot display both virtues and vices. Plutarch was a Greek biographer, magistrate, and priest of Apollo, who took the Roman name Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus. Cato the Elder was the great grandfather of the younger. Cato the Younger or Cato of Utica, 95 B.C.–46 B.C., Roman statesman, whose full name was Marcus Porcius Cato; great-grandson of Cato the Elder Cato the Elder or Cato the Censor, Lat. Cato’s qualities became recognized by others because of his lifestyle. He subjected himself to vigorous exercise; he drank the cheapest wine; he ate the most basic food and only what was necessary to survive. According to Plutarch, Cato had developed a strong character even in his early age. Cato Major or Cato Censorius, 234–149 B.C., Roman statesman and moralist, whose full name was Marcus Porcius Cato. Despite inheriting a fortune, he chose to live modestly under the influence of Stoic philosophy. Cato’s firm character stems from the Stoic teachings on the absolute value of virtues and vices, meaning that there is no gray area. Marcus Porcius Cato (95 BC – April 46 BC), also known as Cato the Younger or Cato Minor, was a conservative Roman senator during the late republic and a follower of Stoic philosophy. Man can’t be half-virtuous. Select from premium Cato The Younger of the highest quality. I. Cato’s family got its first lustre and fame from his great-grandfather Cato (a man whose virtue gained him the greatest reputation and influence among the Romans, as has been written in his Life), but the death of both parents left him an orphan, together with his brother Caepio and his sister Porcia. On the death of his parents he was brought up in the house of his uncle M. Livius Drusus. Cicero’s panegyric Cato was answered by Caesar’s bitter Anticato. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. As the leader of the optimate or Republican party, he sought to preserve the Republic and its institutions. They are of high literary value, besides being of great use to people interested in philosophy, ethics and religion. ("Agamemnon", "Hom. Click the link for more information.. He thought that exposing himself to these harsh conditions would not weaken him, but would result in his soul becoming more durable and potentially unbreakable. When he was ultimately jailed by Julius Caesar, the entire Senate joined him in sympathy and forced Caesar to exonerate him. He was also known for his honesty, refusal to accept bribes, and resentment for the widespread corruption of Rome in his time. …famous Stoic was the younger Cato (95–46, …brought up by another uncle, Cato the Younger, who imbued him with the principles of Stoicism. Like Socrates, he thought that it was better to leave this life morally pure and true to himself, rather than live according to others with compromised virtues. His death also reflected his deep admiration for Socrates. Parallels Between Cato’s and Socrates’ Deaths. Cato’s stand against Caesar made him a hero to those who glorified the Roman Republic and its ideals, especially after his death. Senator Cato the Younger, after the siege of Carthage by Caesar, committed suicide, sticking the dagger in the chest and tearing the wound with his own hands. Marcus Porcius Cato, byname Cato The Younger, (born 95 bc —died 46, Utica, Africa [now in Tunisia]), great-grandson of Cato the Censor and a leader of the Optimates (conservative senatorial aristocracy) who tried to preserve the Roman Republic against power seekers, in particular Julius Caesar. The picture is the work of an unknown author. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. If a person always feels protected, safe and comfortable, then they are vulnerable to the smallest obstacle life can throw at them. With the Optimate Calpurnius Bibulus, Cato attempted unsuccessfully to obstruct Caesar’s agrarian legislation. This is part of the reason why he had so many admirers. Plutarch wrote that Caesar, upon hearing of Cato’s death in Utica, supposedly commented: “Cato, I grudge you your death, as you would have grudged me the preservation of your life.”. Think of the elder as the social conservative, concerned in his day with preserving the customs and traditions of Rome. Cato demanded from his friends, soldiers and subordinates to learn from him and to lead true and virtuous lives. After Pompey’s defeat at Pharsalus (in Thessaly), Cato led a small remnant of troops to Africa. Cato is a well-known name and legend from Ancient Rome and the exemplar… Under the influence of Stoicism, Cato committed himself to a strict and uncomfortable lifestyle. The family of Cato derived its first lustre from his great-grandfather Cato, whose virtue gained him such great reputation and authority among the Romans, as we have written in his life. As one of the leaders of the Optimates (a conservative political faction), he was a long-time rival of Julius Caesar, whom he eventually fought against in the civil war. Od. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Updates? Therefore, death is not evil, but the liberation of the soul. Socrates proves that the soul is immortal and claims that the body is only a material prison for the soul. While Cato the Younger was an evergreen subject for a wide range of historians, biographers, and moralists in the Roman world, the most detailed classical treatment of his life comes from Plutarch. He was sent to annex Cyprus (58), but upon his return in 56 he continued to struggle against the Triumvirate. He was also a speechwriter for the office of the mayor of the Washington D.C. Soni and Goodman have collaborated on projects other than Rome’s Last Citizen. Born in Rome in 95 BC, Cato the Younger’s life and times has been the subject of poems, books and plays for a thousand years. Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis (95 BC, Rome – April 46 BC, Utica), commonly known as Cato the Younger (Cato Minor) to distinguish him from his great-grandfather (Cato the Elder), was a politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. Plutarch's many other varied extant works, about 60 in number, are known as "Moralia" or Moral Essays. Hide browse bar Your current position in the text is marked in blue. He was also respected for his character by both his followers and his enemies. Phocion and Cato the Younger. This Cato was, by the loss of both his parents, left an orphan, together with his brother Caepio, and his sister Porcia. His distaste for meaningless speech is demonstrated in the following quote: “I think the first wisdom is to restrain the tongue.”. Cato’s opposition to Pompey, Caesar, and Marcus Licinius Crassus helped to bring about their coalition in the so-called First Triumvirate (60). He unsuccessfully tried to block Julius Caesar’s rise to power. However, this was very hard at the time, because every man could be persuaded or bought in the great political instability of Rome – every man except Cato. Both men, separated by more than a century, were influential in public office. Nevertheless, people loved and respected him. He was often the subject of ridicule because of his unusual lifestyle, but he endured it all for one purpose: to strengthen his self-control and perseverance. A defender of the Roman Republic, he forcefully opposed Julius Caesar and was known as the highly moral, incorruptible, inflexible supporter of the Optimates. When Caesar defeated Pompey at the battle…. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Executive summary:Foe of Julius Caesar Roman philosopher surnamed "the Younger" and also called Uticensisto distinguish him from his greatgrandfather Cato the Elder, "the Censor." Younger, C: Guilty Men: Cato the Younger: Amazon.nl Selecteer uw cookievoorkeuren We gebruiken cookies en vergelijkbare tools om uw winkelervaring te verbeteren, onze services aan te bieden, te begrijpen hoe klanten onze services gebruiken zodat we verbeteringen kunnen aanbrengen, en om advertenties weer te geven. After the end of Rome’s civil war, Cato called for his sword and for Plato’s dialogue Phaedo. Omissions? His conduct was based on the Stoics’ absolute value of virtue and their shining example of “the wise man” ideal. Cato’s suicide after their defeat at the Battle of Taps is often considered the symbolic end of the Roman Republic. “Good” and “bad” only exist inside our mind and will. This was probably because he noticed that politics was usually based on empty words and promises that were never fulfilled. Although Cato was a doctrinaire and obstructionist politician, he provided the Optimates with relatively honest leadership in a corrupt age. It is the final triumph of Socrates to overcome the fear of death. Apparently, Cato did not want to witness the fall of the republic. Cato’s suicide. Failing to obtain the consulship of 51, Cato had decided to retire from public life when civil war (Caesar against Pompey and the Optimates, 49–45) broke out. Find the perfect Cato The Younger stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Ontdek de perfecte stockfoto's over Cato The Younger en redactionele nieuwsbeelden van Getty Images Kies uit premium Cato The Younger van de hoogste kwaliteit. As tribune-designate for 62, he incurred the resentment of Caesar by voting to execute the Catilinarian conspirators. source: Plutarch, Cato the Younger, … He also marched alongside his troops, refusing to ride a horse. All that has everything to do with the stubbornness of his beliefs and the way he fought for what he believed in. Cato Major or Cato Censorius, 234–149 B.C., Roman statesman and moralist, whose full name was Marcus Porcius Cato. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Roman political leader Marcus Porcius Cato, also called Cato the Younger, was a steadfast supporter of the Roman Republic* during its final years. In the Bellum civile by the poet Lucan (1st century ad), Cato is represented as a model of virtue. Cato advocated for actions over words. He was entrusted with the defense of Sicily but found it impossible to hold the island and joined Pompey at Dyrrhachium. Cato the Younger, i Cato the Younger. After his death by suicide, Cato the Younger became a symbol of incorruptibility, honesty, tenacity and fortitude. He was also indifferent towards wealth; for example, after receiving his cousin’s sizable inheritance, Cato began to live an incredibly modest lifestyle, seemingly in spite of his inheritance. It is known that Cato was passionate about philosophy, especially Stoic philosophy, and he preferred to be surrounded by philosophers and wise men. Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis (95 BC, Rome – April 46 BC, Utica), commonly known as Cato the Younger (Cato Minor) to distinguish him from his great-grandfather (Cato the Elder), was a politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. Porcia (Sister of Cato the Younger): Nicolao Hardmod Carl: Amazon.nl Selecteer uw cookievoorkeuren We gebruiken cookies en vergelijkbare tools om uw winkelervaring te verbeteren, onze services aan te bieden, te begrijpen hoe klanten onze services gebruiken zodat we verbeteringen kunnen aanbrengen, en om advertenties weer te geven. He shut himself up in Utica, and even after the decisive defeat of the republican forces at Thapsus (46), he was determined to keep the gates closed until he had evacuated his adherents by sea. His respect for Socrates echoed in the final hours of his life before he committed suicide. Cato the Younger played an important role in the Fall of the Roman Republic. Marcus Porcius Cato (95 BC – April 46 BC), also known as Cato the Younger or Cato Minor, was a conservative Roman senator during the late republic and a follower of Stoic philosophy. Updated November 05, 2019 Cato the Younger (95–46 BCE in Latin, Cato Uticensis and also known as Marcus Porcius Cato) was a pivotal figure in Rome during the first century BCE. At this same time, Cato began his study of Stoic philosophy and politics. Although his inheritance would have allowed him to live more than comfortably, his lifestyle was entirely for philosophical betterment. Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis (95 BC, Rome – April 46 BC, Utica), commonly known as Cato the Younger (Cato Minor) to distinguish him from his great-grandfather (Cato the Elder), was a politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. Cato wanted everyone to see the parallels between Socrates and himself. He believed that our morality is reflected in our deeds, not our words. Cato the Younger or Cato of Utica, 95 B.C.–46 B.C., Roman statesman, whose full name was Marcus Porcius Cato; great-grandson of Cato the Elder Cato the Elder or Cato the Censor, Lat. In the 50s he opposed Pompey’s increasing power, but, upon Caesar’s invasion of Italy in 49, Brutus was reconciled with Pompey and served under him in Greece. Cato’s high moral principles and rejection of gray morality helped him to endure difficult situations. And immediately his son and all his friends came into the chamber, where, seeing him lie weltering in his own blood, great part of his bowels out of his body, but himself still alive and able to look at them, they all stood in horror. Plutarch gave the detailed description of Cato’s death that reflects his stubborn and persistent character: “Cato did not immediately die of the wound; but struggling, fell off the bed, and throwing down a little mathematical table that stood by, made such a noise that the servants, hearing it, cried out. The words were given in the source, written in Greek. He served in the ranks against the insurgent slave Spartacus in 72 and was military tribune in Macedonia (67) and quaestor (perhaps in 64) before obtaining a provincial appointment in Asia. In other words, there is no middle ground. His sustained antagonism was in large part responsible for pushing the Romans towards civil war. Cato the Younger (Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, 95 BC, Rome – April 46 BC, Utica) was a politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. Yet Cato never wanted war even though he used the threat of violence against Caesar. Plutarch wrote on many subjects. According to Plutarch, Cato had developed a strong character even in his early age. Cato knew that all those difficulties he endured were neither bad nor good, but indifferent. Cato chose death on his own terms, gritting his teeth and disemboweling himself. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Apparently, Cato … Click the link for more information.. In the picture, we see the Roman Senator Cato the Younger who, after Caesar’s siege of Carthage, committed suicide by sticking the dagger in the chest and tearing the wound with his hands. Corrections? In this article, we will talk about the life of Cato the Younger and his philosophical relationship with Stoicism. He was known to wear a toga commando-style, which was not fashionable at the time, and he walked barefoot similarly to Socrates. When the last transports had left, Cato committed suicide. Cato the Younger, i Cato the Younger. Cato (KAY-toh) the Younger, also known as Cato Uticensis from the place of his death, was born in Rome in 95 b.c.e. He was known as Cato Minor to distinguish him from his great-grandfather (Cato the Elder).A noted orator, he had great moral integrity.He could not be bribed, and disliked the political corruption of the age. Just as Socrates did not compromise his values to save himself from certain death, Cato did not concede in his beliefs to survive under the rule of Caesar. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. His only surviving composition is a letter to Cicero (preserved in Cicero’s Ad familiares, xv, 5). This Stoic concept led Cato to adopt high moral standards that some considered superhuman. Marcus Porcius Cato, byname Cato The Younger, (born 95 bc—died 46, Utica, Africa [now in Tunisia]), great-grandson of Cato the Censor and a leader of the Optimates (conservative senatorial aristocracy) who tried to preserve the Roman Republic against power seekers, in particular Julius Caesar. That was the point of his training – to achieve indifference from these concepts. While he ultimately failed, Cato was widely revered in the Classical age, and became to many a symbol of traditional Roman values and beliefs. He had also a half-sister, Servilia, by the mother's side. Cato realized that the sole chance to preserve the republic lay in supporting Pompey, whom he had formerly opposed. The physician went to him, and would have put in his bowels, which were not pierced, and sewed up the wound; but Cato, recovering himself, and understanding the intention, thrust away the physician, plucked out his own bowels, and tearing open the wound, immediately expired” – Plutarch, Stoicism is primarily known as a moral philosophy, which means it is focused on virtue and developing our…, Stoicism was first created by Zeno of Citium as a philosophy standing on three pillars: ethics (ithicós), physics,…, There are many things that could be said to motivate a Stoic and we could write an entire…, The Merriam-Webster offers a few definitions for the term “to educate”, but the most fitting one is: “to…, Suicide is often treated as taboo in many ideologies, so it is surprising to find that Stoics had…, Meditating is a natural part of a Stoic’s routine. Plutarch, Cato the Younger Bernadotte Perrin, Ed. Immediately after his death Cato’s character became the subject of debate. Its peculiarity resides not so much on the “how”…, How difficult can it be to become a Stoic? Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Porcius-Cato-Roman-senator-95-46-BC, How Stuff Works - History - Biography of Marcus Porcius Cato Younger. Cato the Younger (Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, 95 BC, Rome – April 46 BC, Utica) was a politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. In Phaedo, Socrates, as the main character of all Plato’s dialogues, ponders about the nature of the soul and the meaning of death. Life of Cato the Younger, The. Much like his famous great-grandfather Cato the Elder, he was known for his stubbornness and for promoting traditional, conservative Roman values. He was known as Cato Minor to distinguish him from his great-grandfather (Cato the Elder).A noted orator, he had great moral integrity.He could not be bribed, and disliked the political corruption of the age. Marcus Porcius Cato ("the Younger") is most famous for being Julius Caesar's nemesis. Cato was original in many ways, as is evident in his political and philosophical views, which strongly reflected his actions in life. Cato the Younger was one of the many biographies documented by Plutarch in his series called Parallel Lives. Cato’s Stoicism told him that everything we value—our wealth, our health, our success, our reputations, essentially everything not between our two ears—is ultimately beyond our control. Well, the answer depends on your mindset towards this…, The way a Stoic grieves is vastly different from that of the average person, but there is a…, People who are not fully open to something new will tend to focus on reasons to avoid this…, When the Stoic philosopher Epictetus urged us to choose a role model to follow to germinate our philosophical…, Copyright © 2019 - 2020 RANC Group Pty Ltd.
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