@Chantfire Its hard to overrate the greatness of this man.

The Greek philosophers made a lot of noise about how the wise man should think and act and are still quoted much today (and deservedly so). M. Porcius, had some things to say on this too, however he also actually lived the life of a great and wise man. That sets him above all the Greek philosophers. He actually walked the walk.

The cognomen Cato itself pays tribute to his sound sense grounded in experience and character, which trumps all philosophy. Philosophy might give a man some of the attributes of a Cato but it can't actually supply the full package. Cato was not only a great paterfamilias but he was also a successful politician, esteemed moral authority, brave soldier, astute commander, a sacker of cities and builder of Rome. Privately frugal, yet a public benefactor. And yes he was also a good farm manager.

The great thing about M. Porcius is that its all one thing with him. It starts with the inner man, disciplined, wise and frugal leading a family which through him is disciplined, wise and frugal, families building themselves up with intergeneration success make up the backbone of the Roman city state which should also be disciplined, wise and frugal. The greatest success a politician can have is to destroy his people's enemies and then give his spoils to his soldiers and his people, keeping very little if anything for himself because -like Cato's own hero and role model Manius Curius Dentatus- he is secure that he already has all he needs -a healthy body, good name that men will stand up for and enough simple food from his farm to keep himself healthy.

Needless to say Cato is very unpopular these days with the liberals. This should tell men all they need to know. Men should study Cato. In the study of self improvement through good mores -customs- it really is a case of bellum se ipsum alet. He didn't mean that when he said that liberal chilling phrase but as he showed in his life, the rewards of the struggle themselves fuel the continued struggle, one needs no more.