It is absurd to hold that a man should be ashamed of an inability to defend himself with his limbs, but not ashamed of an inability to defend himself with speech and reason; for the use of rational speech is more distinctive of a human being than the use of his limbs.

Summary

This quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero highlights the importance of intellectual capabilities over physical strength. Cicero argues that it is absurd for someone to feel ashamed of being unable to physically defend themselves but not feel the same shame for a lack of verbal and rational communication skills. He suggests that the ability to use speech and reason is a defining quality of being human, indicating that it is more significant than physical prowess. Cicero challenges the notion that intellectual shortcomings should be overlooked while promoting the idea that cognitive abilities should be highly valued.