Plutarch Quotes
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Ought a man to be confident that he deserves his good fortune, and think much of himself when he has overcome a nation, or city, or empire; or does fortune give this as an example to the victor also of the uncertainty of human affairs, which never continue in one stay? For what time can there be for us mortals to feel confident, when our victories over others especially compel us to dread fortune, and while we are exulting, the reflection that the fatal day comes now to one, now to another, in regular succession, dashes our joy.
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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.
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As small letters hurt the sight, so do small matters him that is too much intent upon them; they vex and stir up anger, which begets an evil habit in him in reference to greater affairs.
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These are the materials for reflection which history affords to those who choose to make use of them.
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For, in the language of Heraclitus, the virtuous soul is pure and unmixed light, springing from the body as a flash of lightning darts from the cloud. But the soul that is carnal and immersed in sense, like a heavy and dank vapor, can with difficulty be kindled, and caused to raise its eyes heavenward.
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Whenever Alexander heard Philip had taken any town of importance, or won any signal victory, instead of rejoicing at it altogether, he would tell his companions that his father would anticipate everything, and leave him and them no opportunities of performing great and illustrious actions.
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A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.
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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.
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He is a fool who leaves things close at hand to follow what is out of reach.
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The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.
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For it was not so much that by means of words I came to a complete understanding of things, as that from things I somehow had an experience which enabled me to follow the meaning of words.
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For water continually dropping will wear hard rocks hollow.
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τοῖς ἐγρηγορόσιν ἕνα καὶ κοινὸν κόσμον εἶναι, τῶν δὲ κοιμωμένων ἕκαστον εἰς ἴδιον ἀποστρέφεσθαι
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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.
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To sing the same tune, as the saying is, is in everything cloying and offensive; but men are generally pleased with variety.
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It is a difficult task, O citizens, to make speeches to the belly, which has no ears.
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It does not follow, that because a particular work of art succeeds in charming us, its creator also deserves our admiration.
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A fool cannot hold his tongue.
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Character is inured habit.
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Xenophon says that there is no sound more pleasing than one's own praises.
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Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practise.
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King Agis said, "The Lacedæmonians are not wont to ask how many, but where the enemy are."
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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.
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Philip being arbitrator betwixt two wicked persons, he commanded one to fly out of Macedonia and the other to pursue him.