Plutarch Quotes

Water and our necessary food are the only things that wise men must fight for.

Reason speaks and feeling bites

A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.

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

Wise men are able to make a fitting use even of their enmities.

Beauty is the flower of virtue.

He who reflects on another man's want of breeding, shows he wants it as much himself

Plato used to say to Xenocrates the philosopher, who was rough and morose, "Good Xenocrates, sacrifice to the Graces.

When Philip had news brought him of divers and eminent successes in one day, "O Fortune!" said he, "for all these so great kindnesses do me some small mischief.

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.

Were it only to learn benevolence to humankind, we should be merciful to other creatures.

Zeno first started that doctrine, that knavery is the best defence against a knave.

When one is transported by rage, it is best to observe attentively the effects on those who deliver themselves over to the same passion.

The giving of riches and honors to a wicked man is like giving strong wine to him that hath a fever.

Themistocles being asked whether he would rather be Achilles or Homer, said, "Which would you rather be, a conqueror in the Olympic games, or the crier that proclaims who are conquerors?

Riches for the most part are hurtful to them that possess them.

It does not follow, that because a particular work of art succeeds in charming us, its creator also deserves our admiration.

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.

For he who gives no fuel to fire puts it out, and likewise he who does not in the beginning nurse his wrath and does not puff himself up with anger takes precautions against it and destroys it.

I am all that hath been, and is, and shall be; and my veil no mortal has hitherto raised.

Courage and wisdom are, indeed, rarities amongst men, but of all that is good, a just man it would seem is the most scarce.

Men who marry wives very much superior to themselves are not so truly husbands to their wives as they are unawares made slaves to their position.

When the candles are out all women are fair.

Let a prince be guarded with soldiers, attended by councillors, and shut up in forts; yet if his thoughts disturb him, he is miserable.

What can they suffer that do not fear to die?

Statesmen are not only liable to give an account of what they say or do in public, but there is a busy inquiry made into their very meals, beds, marriages, and every other sportive or serious action.

The first evil those who are prone to talk suffer, is that they hear nothing.

A friend should be like money, tried before being required, not found faulty in our need.

Authority and place demonstrate and try the tempers of men, by moving every passion and discovering every frailty.

Playing the Cretan with the Cretans (i.e. lying to liars).

Courage consists not in hazarding without fear; but being resolutely minded in a just cause.

He [Caesar] loved the treason, but hated the traitor.

Lamentation is the only musician that always, like a screech-owl, alights and sits on the roof of any angry man.

As soft wax is apt to take the stamp of the seal, so are the minds of young children to receive the instruction imprinted on them.

So very difficult a matter is it to trace and find out the truth of anything by history.

It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.

Where two discourse, if the anger of one rises, he is the wise man who lets the contest fall.

Moral habits, induced by public practices, are far quicker in making their way into men's private lives, than the failings and faults of individuals are in infecting the city at large.

A Spartan woman, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him saying, "As a warrior of Sparta come back with your shield or on it."

It is no flattery to give a friend a due character; for commendation is as much the duty of a friend as reprehension.

Good birth is a fine thing, but the merit is our ancestors.

Cato requested old men not to add the disgrace of wickedness to old age, which was accompanied with many other evils.

Real excellence, indeed, is most recognized when most openly looked into.

Caesar's wife should be above suspicion.

I am whatever was, or is, or will be; and my veil no mortal ever took up.

That proverbial saying, "Ill news goes quick and far.

I do not think that shoemaker a good workman that makes a great shoe for a little foot.

I have heard that Tiberius used to say that that man was ridiculous, who after sixth years, appealed to a physician.

Spintharus, speaking in commendation of Epaminondas, says he scarce ever met with any man who knew more and spoke less.

What, did you not know, then, that to-day Lucullus dines with Lucullus?