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
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?
fighting giving said
To one that promised to give him hardy cocks that would die fighting, "Prithee," said Cleomenes, "give me cocks that will kill fighting.
people opinion said
Once when Phocion had delivered an opinion which pleased the people,... he turned to his friend and said, "Have I not unawares spoken some mischievous thing or other?
kings enemy said
King Agis said, "The Lacedæmonians are not wont to ask how many, but where the enemy are.
rage said ifs
Demosthenes told Phocion, "The Athenians will kill you some day when they once are in a rage." "And you," said he, "if they are once in their senses.
wife said very-happy
Pittacus said, "Every one of you hath his particular plague, and my wife is mine; and he is very happy who hath this only".
games achilles said
Themistocles being asked whether he would rather be Achilles or Homer, said, "Which would you rather be, a conqueror in the Olympic games, or the crier that proclaims who are conquerors?
shadow action said
Democritus said, words are but the shadows of actions.
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.