-
It was the saying of Bion, that though the boys throw stones at frogs in sport, yet the frogs do not die in sport but in earnest.
Plutarch -
A Locanian having plucked all the feathers off from a nightingale and seeing what a little body it had, "surely," quoth he, "thou art all voice and nothing else.
Plutarch
-
Grief is natural; the absence of all feeling is undesirable, but moderation in grief should be observed, as in the face of all good or evil.
Plutarch -
It is a true proverb, that if you live with a lame man, you will learn a limp.
Plutarch -
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.'
Plutarch -
It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.
Plutarch -
Man is neither by birth nor disposition a savage, nor of unsocial habits, but only becomes so by indulging in vices contrary to his nature.
Plutarch -
Philosophy is the art of living.
Plutarch
-
Philip being arbitrator betwixt two wicked persons, he commanded one to fly out of Macedonia and the other to pursue him.
Plutarch -
Character is inured habit.
Plutarch -
Athenodorus says hydrophobia, or water-dread, was first discovered in the time of Asclepiades.
Plutarch -
Neither blame or praise yourself.
Plutarch -
Beauty is the flower of virtue.
Plutarch -
For man is a plant, not fixed in the earth, nor immovable, but heavenly, whose head, rising as it were from a root upwards, is turned towards heaven.
Plutarch
-
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.
Plutarch -
But being overborne with numbers, and nobody daring to face about, stretching out his hands to heaven, [Romulus] prayed to Jupiter to stop the army, and not to neglect but maintain the Roman cause, now in extreme danger. The prayer was no sooner made, than shame and respect for their king checked many; the fears of the fugitives changed suddenly into confidence.
Plutarch -
Wisdom is neither gold, nor silver, nor fame, nor wealth, nor health, nor strength, nor beauty.
Plutarch -
Most people do not understand until old age what Plato tells them when they are young.
Plutarch -
It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.
Plutarch -
It was not important how many enemies there are, but where the enemy is.
Plutarch