Plutarch
Plutarch
Plutarch; c. AD 46 – AD 120) was a Greek historian, biographer, and essayist, known primarily for his Parallel Lives and Moralia. He is classified as a Middle Platonist. Plutarch's surviving works were written in Greek, but intended for both Greek and Roman readers...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
wise men speech
When Eudæmonidas heard a philosopher arguing that only a wise man can be a good general, "This is a wonderful speech," said he; "but he that saith it never heard the sound of trumpets.
soldier enemy said
A soldier told Pelopidas, "We are fallen among the enemies." Said he, "How are we fallen among them more than they among us?
men politics economy
Courage and wisdom are, indeed, rarities amongst men, but of all that is good, a just man it would seem is the most scarce.
wise men justice
For there is no virtue, the honour and credit for which procures a man more odium from the elite than that of justice; and this, because more than any other, it acquires a man power and authority among the common people. For they only honour the valiant and admire the wise, while in addition they also love just men, and put entire trust and confidence in them.
men luxury politics
They fought indeed and were slain, but it was to maintain the luxury and the wealth of other men.
justice politics prosperity
Justice makes the life of such as are in prosperity, power and authority the life of a god, and injustice turns it to that of a beast.
justice politics common
Nor let us part with justice, like a cheap and common thing, for a small and trifling price.
ambition mean men
Rome was in the most dangerous inclination to change on account of the unequal distribution of wealth and property, those of highest rank and greatest spirit having impoverished themselves by shows, entertainments, ambition of offices, and sumptuous buildings, and the riches of the city having thus fallen into the hands of mean and low-born persons. So that there wanted but a slight impetus to set all in motion, it being in the power of every daring man to overturn a sickly commonwealth.
encouragement children mean
Children ought to be led to honorable practices by means of encouragement and reasoning, and most certainly not by blows and ill treatment.
wickedness wonderful miserable
Wickedness frames the engines of her own torment. She is a wonderful artisan of a miserable life.
might fool criminals
Being summoned by the Athenians out of Sicily to plead for his life, Alcibiades absconded, saying that that criminal was a fool who studied a defence when he might fly for it.
The great god Pan is dead.
home doors athens
Anacharsis coming to Athens, knocked at Solon's door, and told him that he, being a stranger, was come to be his guest, and contract a friendship with him; and Solon replying, "It is better to make friends at home," Anacharsis replied, "Then you that are at home make friendship with me.
faults matter human-nature
To conduct great matters and never commit a fault is above the force of human nature.