The quote “Homo sum: humani nihil a me alienum puto” translates to “I am a man, and nothing human is alien to me.” It comes from Heautontimorumenos (The Self-Tormentor) by the Roman playwright Terence (P. Terentius Afer), written in 165 BCE.
In above scene, Chremes is responding to Menedemus, who questions why Chremes is concerning himself with another person’s affairs. Chremes rejects the idea that he should remain indifferent, instead asserting that he feels connected to all of humanity. His argument is that human beings are inherently linked by their shared nature, and therefore, the joys and sorrows of others should never be ignored.
*St. Augustine remarked that when this line was spoken in the theater, the audience erupted in applause. This suggests that the sentiment resonated deeply with the Roman public, reflecting a society that valued moral reflection and benevolence.
*Cicero, in De Officiis (On Duties), references this passage to discuss moral obligations and the natural bonds that unite human beings.
*Sir Richard Steele, in The Spectator (No. 502), admired how the Roman audience understood and appreciated the depth of the line, arguing that such a sentiment requires a certain refinement and moral sensibility to grasp.
This quote is relevant today because it speaks to universal empathy—values that transcend time and culture. It calls us to engage with the world beyond our own concerns, recognizing that our humanity is tied to the fate of others. It has been cited in discussions about human rights, social justice, and civic responsibility, making it a timeless reminder of ethical engagement with society.