For virtue, not secrecy, is sought by good men.
[Honesta enim bonis viris, non occulta quaeruntur.]
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
De Officiis [On Duties; On Moral Duty; The Offices], Book 3, ch. 9 (3.9) / sec. 38 (44 BC) [tr. Edmonds (1865)]
(Source)
(Source (Latin)). Alternate translations:For good men desire to be virtuous and honest, and not to be secret, that so they may sin without danger.
[tr. Cockman (1699)]What is honorable, and not what is concealed, is the object of pursuit with wise men.
[tr. McCartney (1798)]For it is right things, not hidden things, that are sought by good men.
[tr. Peabody (1883)]The good man seeks to do what is right, not to hide what he does.
[tr. Gardiner (1899)]For good men aim to secure not secrecy but the right.
[tr. Miller (1913)]Good men seek right conduct, not conduct that has to remain concealed.
[tr. Edinger (1974)]Honorable things, not secretive things, are sought by good men.