"Before our time, ancestral
morality provided outstanding men, and great men preserved the morality of old
and the institutions of our ancestors. But our own time having inherited the
republic like a wonderful picture that had faded over time, not only has failed
to renew its original colors but has not even taken the trouble to preserve at
least its shape and outlines. What remains of the morals of antiquity, upon
which the Republic stood? We see that they are so outworn in oblivion that they
are not only not cherished but are now unknown. What am I say about the men?
The morals themselves have passed away through a shortage of men. It is because
of our own vices, not because of some back luck, that we preserve the Republic
in name only but have long ago lost its substance."
Cicero
