in 51 bc, cicero published his work "de re publica" ("on the republic"). the dialog was about what made a true statesman. it was about the virtues and ideals such a leader must have. cicero wrote that a great statesman did not have to descend from aristocrats. but he must have "virtus" (virtue), "iustitia" (a sense of justice) and wisdom. he must also have "dignitas" (roughly translated as dignity), temperance and must show generosity and be magnanimous.