" Everything that is honorable" wrote the great Roman Statesman and orator, Cicero, in the first century BC, " has its source in the four elements: the first learning, the second sociability, third the greatness of spirit, and the fourth moderation". Cicero suggested that these criteria should pertain to all facets of an individual's life, but perhaps nowhere more than in the pursuit of gainful employment.
Cicero divided occupations into three major categories. The first group included professions that "require greater good sense or else procure substantial benefit, for example medicine, architecture, or teaching."
The next consisting of jobs that Cicero considered "demeaning," were those of tradesmen, handcraftsmen, and merchants. The group Cicero deemed " least worthy of approval" catered to the senses: purveyors of food, such as fishmongers, butchers, and cooks, and entertainers,dancers and actors.

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