Latin quote · Philosophy
Summum bonum
“The highest good.”
Cicero, De finibus
Translation
What does “Summum bonum” mean?
Summum bonum translates as “The highest good.”
The ultimate goal of life, around which everything else is ordered. Philosophers have debated whether it is pleasure, virtue or happiness.
Origin
The story behind it
The phrase is used by Cicero and later philosophers for the highest good in ethics.
When to use it
How to use “Summum bonum”
A deep line for a philosophy essay or a reflection journal.
- Latin
- Summum bonum
- English
- The highest good.
- Source
- Cicero, De finibus
- Era
- Classical
- Theme
- Philosophy
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