Plutarch Quotes

The whole like of a man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it.

To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.

So is it with women also; if they subordinate themselves to their husbands, they are commended, but if they want to have control, they cut a sorrier figure than the subjects of their control. And control ought to be exercised by the man over the woman, not as the owner has control over a piece of property, but, as the soul colonists the body, by entering into her feelings and being knit to her through goodwill. As, therefore, it is possible to exercise care over the body without being a slave to its pleasures and desires, so it is possible to govern a wife, and at the same time to delight and gratify her.

As Cæsar was at supper the discourse was of death,—which sort was the best. "That," said he, "which is unexpected."

Even those virtues which nature had denied him were imitated by him so successfully that he won more confidence than those who actually possessed them.

Denn man darf wohl suchen, einem ungünstigen Ereignis eine günstige Wendung zu geben.

An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.

Foolish people practice politics, not by serving as generals, secretaries, or popular leaders, but by inciting the mob, giving public speeches, fostering discord, or performing public service out of obligation; and, conversely, those who are civic-minded, philanthropic, devoted to the city, attentive, and truly political are always practicing politics by the promotion of those in power, the guidance of those needing direction, the support of those deliberating, the correction of those causing harm, and the reinforcement of those who are sensible.

Come and take them

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer.

it is useful, or rather it is necessary, not to be indifferent about acquiring the works of earlier writers, but to make a collection of these, like a set of tools in farming. For the corresponding tool of education is the use of books, and by their means it has come to pass that we are able to study knowledge at its source.

Others have seen the assassination as a useful reminder of the futility of such attempts at direct action. For what did it achieve? If the assassins had really wanted to quash the rise of one-man rule in Rome, if they wanted to kill the tyranny as well as the tyrant, they were strikingly unsuccessful.

Be ruled by time, the wisest counsellor of all.

I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent than the extent of my power or possessions.