On Divination

What if the gods spoke through the flight of birds, the entrails of animals, or the dreams of sleepers? In *On Divination*, Cicero stages a searching dialogue between himself and his brother Quintus, weighing the evidence for and against the ancient art of foretelling. Quintus defends divination as a pillar of Roman piety and Stoic order; Cicero counters with sharp skepticism, dismantling each claim with wit and logic. More than a historical curiosity, this work raises timeless questions: How do we distinguish genuine insight from superstition? Can reason coexist with religious practice? What do we risk when we seek certainty about the unknown? This Modern Reader's Edition presents Cicero’s masterpiece in clear, accessible English, preserving its argumentative force and conversational grace. Whether you are a student of philosophy, a lover of classical rhetoric, or simply curious about how the ancients wrestled with chance and fate, this edition invites you into a conversation that still matters. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.