On the Republic

For centuries, Cicero's 'On the Republic' has been a cornerstone of political philosophy—a sweeping dialogue on justice, the ideal state, and the duties of citizens. Yet its surviving fragments and dense classical style have kept it remote from modern readers. This edition translates the core arguments and surviving passages of Cicero's masterpiece into clear, present-day English, preserving his compelling vision of a mixed constitution as the bulwark against tyranny and decay. Here you will meet Scipio Aemilianus and his circle as they debate the nature of justice, the rise and fall of constitutions, and the soul's immortality in the famous 'Dream of Scipio.' Cicero's insights on leadership, civic virtue, and the common good speak directly to our own turbulent times. Whether you are a student of politics, a lover of classics, or a curious mind, this edition opens the door to a foundational text of Western thought. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.