Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- Tusculan Disputations [Tusculanae Disputationes], Book 5, ch. 35 (5.35) / sec. 100 (5.100) (45 BC) [tr. Peabody (1886)]

Dave — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:50:49 +0000

MARCUS: Can we use our minds aright when we are filled with an excess of food and drink?

[Ne mente quidem recte uti possumus, multo cibo et potione completi?]

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
Tusculan Disputations [Tusculanae Disputationes], Book 5, ch. 35 (5.35) / sec. 100 (5.100) (45 BC) [tr. Peabody (1886)]

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

We have not the free and clear use of our understanding, when we are stuffed with Meat and Drink.
[tr. Wase (1643)]

The understanding is impaired when we are full with over-eating and drinking.
[tr. Main (1824); Yonge (1853)]

Can even the mind itself be used rightly, stuffed with the press of superfluous viands and libations?
[tr. Otis (1839)]

We cannot use the mind aright, when the body is filled with excess of food and drink.
[tr. Taylor/Hunt (1916)]

We cannot use our minds properly either, when we are full of large quantities of food and drink.
[tr. Douglas (1990)]

We cannot make proper use of our minds when we are full of quantities of food and drink.
[tr. Davie (2017)]

Jefferson, Thomas -- Letter (1787-11-13) to William Stephens Smith

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

And can history produce an instance of a rebellion so honourably conducted? I say nothing of it’s motives. They were founded in ignorance, not wickedness. God forbid we should ever be 20. years without such a rebellion. The people can not be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. We have had 13. states independant 11. years. There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state. What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve it’s liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)
Letter (1787-11-13) to William Stephens Smith

Speaking of Shay's Rebellion.

WIST Quotations

Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- Tusculan Disputations [Tusculanae Disputationes], Book 5, ch. 35 (5.35) / sec. 100 (5.100) (45 BC) [tr. Peabody (1886)]

Jefferson, Thomas -- Letter (1787-11-13) to William Stephens Smith