"All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity"
- Sallust
About this Quote
This quote by Sallust motivates individuals to approach any opinion or debate with an open mind. He suggests that when providing an opinion on any doubtful point, one must clear their mind of any emotions that might cloud their judgement. This consists of beliefs of dislike, relationship, anger, or pity. By doing this, one can make sure that their opinion is based on truths and reasoning, rather than on any personal feelings. This is necessary in order to make sure that the opinion is reasonable and unbiased. Sallust's quote encourages individuals to believe objectively and to consider all sides of an argument prior to forming a viewpoint. It is a tip that individual sensations should not be allowed to influence one's judgement.
"One friend in a lifetime is much, two are many, three are hardly possible. Friendship needs a certain parallelism of life, a community of thought, a rivalry of aim"