Cicero
From the First Century by way of "a Cicero fan in Tallahassee" by way of [Veronique de Rugy] of NRO.
Cicero still has something to teach us on fiscal policy. Regarding the current administration’s proposal to "cram down" mortgage debt, here’s Cicero writing on a proposed "abolition of debts":
"Tabulae vero novae quid habent argumenti, nisi ut emas mea pecunia fundum, eum tu habeas, ego non habeam pecuniam."
This means, roughly, "What is the meaning of a ‘clean slate’, except that you purchase a farm with my money, that you still have the farm, but I no longerhave my money?"
(From Book II of Cicero’s De Officiis (On Obligations))
About John C Wright
John C. Wright is a practicing philosopher, a retired attorney, newspaperman, and newspaper editor, and a published author of science fiction. Once a Houyhnhnm, he was expelled from the august ranks of purely rational beings when he fell in love; but retains an honorary title.
June 23, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
