Why Cicero Matters

This book offers an engaging introduction to key elements of Cicero’s political philosophy and shows how his views and arguments can still be relevant in contemporary society: comparisons with the modern world from the author’s personal perspective provide stimulating food for thought. * Gesine Manuwald, University College London, UK *
Almost in the style of his subject’s Letters, Bufacchi strikes up a warm and witty friendship with Rome’s most famous orator and statesman; this short book offers a superb introduction to Cicero’s political and philosophical thought, yet is also a thought-provoking meditation on the rise of authoritarian populism today. * Victoria Rimell, Professor of Latin, University of Warwick, UK *
An engaging and accessible account of Cicero, that emphasises his contemporary relevance. Bufacchi shows how Cicero’s criticisms of the authoritarian populists of his day apply to the little Caesars of today. He draws a compelling parallel between Cicero’s defence of the Roman Republic and our current defence of democracy, showing how it likewise turns on reviving the mixed constitution. * Richard Bellamy, Professor of Political Science, University College London, UK *
A lively and entertaining argument that the republican politician-philosopher Cicero can speak to us on key issues that concern us today – when economic self-interest saps citizen solidarity, social media erodes relationships, and populist autocrats undermine democracy – all richly illuminated by reference to historical and contemporary events and ideas. * Iseult Honohan, Associate Professor Emeritus, Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin, Ireland *
Warm, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and clearly delighted with Cicero, Bufacchi’s book introduces us to the basics of Cicero’s philosophical thought in a way that is accessible to the newcomer and refreshing to Ciceronian veterans. * Pietas *