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
faults matter human-nature
To conduct great matters and never commit a fault is above the force of human nature.
envy matter ink
When malice is joined to envy, there is given forth poisonous and feculent matter, as ink from the cuttle-fish.
wise politics matter
The conduct of a wise politician is ever suited to the present posture of affairs. Often by foregoing a part he saves the whole, and by yielding in a small matter secures a greater.
matter difficult
So very difficult a matter is it to trace and find out the truth of anything by history.
loss matter citizens
It is a hard matter, my fellow citizens, to argue with the belly, since it has no ears.
enjoy life man point purpose spend
The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it, therefore, while it lasts, and not spend it to no purpose
enjoy life point purpose spend
The whole life is but a point of time; let us enjoy it, therefore, while it lasts, and not spend it to no purpose.
produces richest weeds
The richest soil, if cultivated, produces the rankest weeds
beneficial care far learn pleased
Learn to be pleased with everything; with wealth, so far as it makes us beneficial to others; with poverty, for not having much to care for, and with obscurity, for being unenvied.
act common deeds evil good great man noble risk risks though
To do an evil act is base. To do a good one without incurring danger, is common enough. But it is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds though he risks everything in doing them.
excel extent greek-philosopher knowledge power
I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions.
romans victory
Another such victory over the Romans and we are undone.
command finding forces hands keen leave orders ready rest taking talkative though
Paulus Aemilius, on taking command of the forces in Macedonia, and finding them talkative and impertinently busy, as though they were all commanders, issued out his orders that they should have only ready hands and keen swords, and leave the rest to
bears man measure misfortune
The measure of a man is way he bears up under misfortune