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
determination mind noble
A remorseful change of mind renders even a noble action base, whereas the determination which is grounded on knowledge and reason cannot change even if its actions fail.
strong teaching son
Scilurus on his death-bed, being about to leave four-score sons surviving, offered a bundle of darts to each of them, and bade them break them. When all refused, drawing out one by one, he easily broke them, thus teaching them that if they held together, they would continue strong; but if they fell out and were divided, they would become weak.
leisure should elders
Dionysius the Elder, being asked whether he was at leisure, he replied, "God forbid that it should ever befall me!
kings two earth
When Darius offered him ten thousand talents, and to divide Asia equally with him, "I would accept it," said Parmenio, "were I Alexander." "And so truly would I," said Alexander, "if I were Parmenio." But he answered Darius that the earth could not bear two suns, nor Asia two kings.
pain grief medical
Grief is like a physical pain which must be allowed to subside somewhat on its own before medical treatment is applied.
firsts gone intellect
Nothing exists in the intellect that has not first gone through the senses.
wall
Words will build no walls.
moving passion men
Authority and place demonstrate and try the tempers of men, by moving every passion and discovering every frailty.
warrior lines shields
A warrior carries his shield for the sake of the entire line.
special care answers
When another is asked a question, take special care not to interrupt to answer it yourself.
character men giving
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in doing the face, where the character is revealed, than the rest of the body, I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks of the souls of men.
gratitude
Learn to be pleased with everything...because it could always be worse, but isn't!
strong wine men
There is never the body of a man, how strong and stout soever, if it be troubled and inflamed, but will take more harm and offense by wine being poured into it.
feelings speak reason
Reason speaks and feeling bites