Quotes by Plutarch

When I had twice or thrice made a resolute resistance to anger, the like befell me that did the Thebans; who, having once foiled the Lacedemonians, never after lost so much as one battle which they fought against them.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

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.

— Plutarch

Courage

What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

— Plutarch

Success

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.

— Plutarch

Friendship

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

— Plutarch

Wisdom

It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

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.

— Plutarch

Education

To find fault is easy; to do better may be difficult.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

Medicine to produce health must examine disease; and music, to create harmony must investigate discord.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

Nothing is harder to direct than a man in prosperity; nothing more easily managed that one is adversity.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie in good education.

— Plutarch

Truth

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

The wildest colts make the best horses.

— Plutarch

Wisdom

Do not speak of your happiness to one less fortunate than yourself.

— Plutarch

Happiness

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

— Plutarch

Education

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

— Plutarch

Wisdom

We ought not to treat living creatures like shoes or household belongings, which when worn with use we throw away.

— Plutarch

Life

All men whilst they are awake are in one common world: but each of them, when he is asleep, is in a world of his own.

— Plutarch

Life

When the strong box contains no more both friends and flatterers shun the door.

— Plutarch

Friendship