Plutarch Quotes
-
Lysander, when Dionysius sent him two gowns, and bade him choose which he would carry to his daughter, said, 'She can choose best,' and so took both away with him.
-
The flatterer's object is to please in everything he does; whereas the true friend always does what is right, and so often gives pleasure, often pain, not wishing the latter, but not shunning it either, if he deems it best.
-
There is no stronger test of a person's character than power and authority, exciting as they do every passion, and discovering every latent vice.
-
A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.
-
Nothing exists in the intellect that has not first gone through the senses.
-
Distressed valor challenges great respect, even from an enemy.
-
He who busies himself in mean occupations, produces in the very pains he takes about things of little or no use, an evidence against himself of his negligence and indisposition to what is really good.
-
Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practise.
-
To do an evil action is base; to do a good action without incurring danger is common enough; but it is the part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risks every thing.
-
Beauty is the flower of virtue.
-
Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practice.
-
Cato instigated the magistrates to punish all offenders, saying that they that did not prevent crimes when they might, encouraged them. Of young men, he liked them that blushed better than those who looked pale.
-
Philosophy is the art of living.
-
Themistocles said to Antiphales, 'Time, young man, has taught us both a lesson'.
-
Barba non facit philosophum.
-
Wisdom is neither gold, nor silver, nor fame, nor wealth, nor health, nor strength, nor beauty.
-
It was not important how many enemies there are, but where the enemy is.
-
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.
-
Alcibiades had a very handsome dog, that cost him seven thousand drachmas; and he cut off his tail, 'that,' said he, 'the Athenians may have this story to tell of me, and may concern themselves no further with me.'
-
Had I a careful and pleasant companion that should show me my angry face in a glass, I should not at all take it ill; to behold man's self so unnaturally disguised and dishonored will conduce not a little to the impeachment of anger.
-
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.
-
When men are arrived at the goal, they should not turn back.
-
The same intelligence is required to marshal an army in battle and to order a good dinner. The first must be as formidable as possible, the second as pleasant as possible, to the participants.
-
When another is asked a question, take special care not to interrupt to answer it yourself.