Meaning: The quote "That last day does not bring extinction to us, but change of place" is attributed to Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher who lived from 106 BC to 43 BC. Cicero was a prominent figure in the late Roman Republic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest orators of ancient Rome. He was also a prolific writer and thinker, producing a large body of work that has had a lasting influence on Western philosophy and political thought.

This particular quote reflects Cicero's philosophical perspective on the nature of death and the afterlife. In the context of his broader philosophical beliefs, Cicero's statement can be interpreted as a reflection of his Stoic-influenced worldview. The Stoics, an ancient school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, emphasized the importance of virtue, self-control, and the acceptance of fate.

Cicero's statement suggests that he viewed death not as an absolute end, but rather as a transition to another state of being. In Stoic philosophy, the soul was believed to be immortal, and death was seen as a natural and inevitable part of the cycle of existence. The idea of "change of place" implies a continuation of the individual's existence in a different form or location, rather than a complete annihilation.

From a philosophical perspective, Cicero's quote can be seen as an expression of the Stoic belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the continuity of the individual beyond the physical realm. It reflects a perspective that seeks to alleviate the fear and anxiety often associated with death by emphasizing the idea of continuity and transformation.

In addition to its philosophical implications, Cicero's quote may also be viewed in the context of his personal experiences and the historical and cultural milieu in which he lived. Cicero's life was marked by political turmoil and upheaval, including the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar as a dictator. In such a turbulent and uncertain environment, the Stoic philosophy of accepting the inevitability of change and maintaining inner fortitude in the face of adversity would have held particular resonance for Cicero.

Furthermore, the quote may also be understood in light of Cicero's own encounters with mortality and the deaths of loved ones. Cicero himself experienced profound personal losses, including the deaths of his daughter Tullia and his close friend and political ally, Titus Pomponius Atticus. In the face of such grief and sorrow, Cicero's philosophical reflections on the nature of death and the afterlife may have served as a source of solace and consolation.

In summary, Marcus Tullius Cicero's quote "That last day does not bring extinction to us, but change of place" encapsulates his Stoic-influenced perspective on death and the afterlife. It reflects a philosophical outlook that emphasizes the continuity of the individual beyond the physical realm and seeks to alleviate the fear of mortality by emphasizing the idea of transformation and resilience. In the context of Cicero's personal experiences and the historical context in which he lived, the quote takes on added depth and significance, representing a source of philosophical consolation in the face of personal and political upheaval.