TO BE%2C TO CATO' The term 'TO BE, TO CATO' is a phrase from the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. It is spoken by the character Marcus Brutus in Act 1, Scene 2, and is a reference TO the Roman philosopher CATO the Younger. The phrase is used TO express Brutus' belief that it is better TO die with honor than TO live with dishonor. The crossword solutions for this phrase are ESSE, which is the Latin verb meaning 'TO BE'. This phrase is often used TO express the idea that one should strive TO live a life of virtue and integrity.