Why did Cato the Younger oppose Caesar?

Translation: quotations from Plutarch are quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864, not his original words.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Cato the Younger opposed Caesar when Caesar requested the Senate to allow his friends to canvass for him in his absence, as Cato perceived the senators were inclined to favor Caesar. Cato spent the whole day in speaking to prevent the Senate from coming to any conclusion. (key quote above) [1]
• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Cato the Younger resolved to stand for the consulship to force Caesar either to lay down his arms or reveal his intentions. This action was taken because Caesar was increasing his power in the city while remaining in Gaul with his forces. "Cato resolved himself to stand for the consulship, and presently force Cæsar either to lay down his arms or discover his intentions." [2]

What cuts against it

• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Cato the Younger believed that his opposition to Caesar was necessary to preserve the Roman commonwealth, but he also acknowledged that his excessive caution toward Pompey may have inadvertently strengthened Caesar. "Nothing of which perhaps had come to pass, but that Cato was too apprehensive of Pompey's least faults, and did not consider how he forced him into conferring on another man the opportunity of committing the greatest." [3]

• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Cato feared that if Caesar won, he would use his victory to consolidate power and undermine the republic. "knowing full well, that if he had bad success, Cato would be the last to forsake him, but if he conquered, would never let him use his victory at his pleasure." [4]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Cato the Younger opposed Caesar because he believed Caesar's rise to power would lead to the destruction of the Roman commonwealth. [3]

2. He feared that if Caesar won, he would use his victory to consolidate power and undermine the republic. [4]

3. Cato took specific actions to prevent Caesar from gaining influence, such as opposing his request to the Senate to allow his friends to canvass for him in his absence. [1]

4. He also resolved to stand for the consulship to force Caesar to either lay down his arms or reveal his intentions. [2]

5. These actions were motivated by Cato's belief that Caesar was a threat to the Roman republic and that his opposition was necessary to preserve it. [3] (inference)

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: PARTIAL

The record is silent on whether Cato the Younger had any personal animosity toward Caesar or whether his opposition was purely ideological.

Extrapolation: Cato the Younger opposed Caesar because he believed Caesar's rise to power would lead to the destruction of the Roman commonwealth. He feared that if Caesar won, he would use his victory to consolidate power and undermine the republic.

Competing readings: One reading is that Cato's opposition was driven by his belief in the preservation of the Roman republic. Another reading is that his excessive caution toward Pompey may have inadvertently strengthened Caesar. [3]

Confidence: Moderate, based on the recorded actions and stated beliefs of Cato the Younger.