Plutarch Quotes
-
To the Greeks, the supreme function of music was to "praise the gods and educate the youth". In Egypt... Initiatory music was heard only in Temple rites because it carried the vibratory rhythms of other worlds and of a life beyond the mortal.
-
Xenophanes said, 'I confess myself the greatest coward in the world, for I dare not do an ill thing.'
-
If Nature be not improved by instruction, it is blind; if instruction be not assisted by Nature, it is maimed; and if exercise fail of the assistance of both, it is imperfect.
-
If you hate your enemies, you will contract such a vicious habit of mind that it will break out upon those who are your friends, or those who are indifferent to you.
-
He who cheats with an oath acknowledges that he is afraid of his enemy, but that he thinks little of God.
-
The superstitious man wishes he did not believe in gods, as the atheist does not, but fears to disbelieve in them.
-
Why does pouring oil on the sea make it clear and calm? Is it for that the winds, slipping the smooth oil, have no force, nor cause any waves?
-
There were two brothers called Both and Either; perceiving Either was a good, understanding, busy fellow, and Both a silly fellow and good for little, Philip said, 'Either is both, and Both is neither.'
-
When I myself had twice or thrice made a resolute resistance unto anger, the like befell me that did the Thebans; who, having once foiled the Lacedaemonians (who before that time had held themselves invincible), never after lost so much as one battle which they fought against them.
-
He made one of Antipater's recommendation a judge; and perceiving afterwards that his hair and beard were coloured, he removed him, saying, 'I could not think one that was faithless in his hair could be trusty in his deeds.'
-
Children are to be won to follow liberal studies by exhortations and rational motives, and on no account to be forced thereto by whipping.
-
Themistocles said that he certainly could not make use of any stringed instrument; could only, were a small and obscure city put into his hands, make it great and glorious.
-
Socrates... said he was not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.
-
What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.
-
Evidence of trust begets trust, and love is reciprocated by love.
-
The generous mind adds dignity to every act, and nothing misbecomes it.
-
For ease and speed in doing a thing do not give the work lasting solidity or exactness of beauty.
-
Friendship requires a steady, constant, and unchangeable character, a person that is uniform in his intimacy.
-
Being nimble and light-footed, his father encouraged him to run in the Olympic race. 'Yes,' said he, 'if there were any kings there to run with me.'
-
The belly has no ears.
-
It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.
-
What can they suffer that do not fear to die?
-
It is a high distinction for a homely woman to be loved for her character rather than for beauty.
-
When a man's eyes are sore his friends do not let him finger them, however much he wishes to, nor do they themselves touch the inflammation: But a man sunk in grief suffers every chance comer to stir and augment his affliction like a running sore; and by reason of the fingering and consequent irritation it hardens into a serious and intractable evil.