"If I err in belief that the souls of men are immortal, I gladly err, nor do I wish this error which gives me pleasure to be wrested from me while I live"

The statement by Cicero reveals the depth of human longing for immortality and the psychological comfort that such a belief provides. He openly acknowledges that his conviction in the immortality of the soul may be a mistake, an “error”, but he expresses a willingness, even a gladness, to persist in this potential delusion because of the profound solace it brings him. Cicero’s words show a candid self-awareness: he understands that his belief might not be accurate, yet the emotional and existential benefits outweigh the desire for strict rationality or empirical truth.

By declaring, “I gladly err,” Cicero points to the role that hope plays in the functioning of the mind and in forging a meaningful life. The possibility that the soul survives death can alleviate fears of nonexistence and provide a sense of purpose or cosmic justice. This sentiment reflects a universal aspect of the human condition: the quest for understanding and reassurance in the face of mortality and uncertainty. Cicero’s acceptance of a potentially unfounded belief out of pleasure and comfort evokes the broader theme of self-preserving myths or noble illusions, concepts later discussed by philosophers such as Nietzsche and William James.

Importantly, the line, “nor do I wish this error...to be wrested from me while I live,” suggests a preference for comforting beliefs over potentially harsh truths, highlighting an emotional dimension to the pursuit of knowledge. Cicero subtly acknowledges that some beliefs, even if they lack objective truth, serve vital psychological and societal roles. The pleasure derived from the belief in immortality is depicted as not just a private comfort but possibly a necessary one. This perspective doesn’t suggest ignorance but rather an embrace of beliefs that nourish the soul, illustrating how humans often balance between reason and the needs of the heart in the search for meaning.