De Legibus, Book II
Cicero
Cicero's line evokes a vision of selflessness and foresight. In an age where political alliances shifted like sand, he speaks to the power of decisions made for a future unseen. This sentiment presents a stark contrast to the short-termism rampant in Roman politics, where leaders often acted for immediate gain and personal glory. The imagery of planting trees suggests nurturing legacies that outlast personal ambition, a rare and noble ideal in Cicero’s turbulent times.