Quotes from Plutarch

Philosophy is the art of living.

Philosophy is an act of living.

Painting is silent poetry.

They fought indeed and were slain, but it was to maintain the luxury and the wealth of other men.

Politics is not like an ocean voyage or a military campaign... something which leaves off as soon as reached. It is not a public chore to be gotten over with. It is a way of life.

No beast is more savage than man when possessed with power answerable to his rage.

He who cheats with an oath acknowledges that he is afraid of his enemy, but that he thinks little of God.

It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.

The great god Pan is dead.

Dionysius the Elder, being asked whether he was at leisure, he replied, "God forbid that it should ever befall me!"

Themistocles said "The Athenians govern the Greeks I govern the Athenians you my wife govern me your son governs you."

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

Choose what is best, and habit will make it pleasant and easy.

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

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

For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.

Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practice.

There is no stronger test of a person's character than power and authority, exciting as they do every passion, and discovering every latent vice.

The Spartans do not ask how many are the enemy but where are they.

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.

Among real friends there is no rivalry or jealousy of one another, but they are satisfied and contented alike whether they are equal or one of them is superior.

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.

Distressed valor challenges great respect, even from an enemy.

Valour, however unfortunate, commands great respect even from enemies: but the Romans despise cowardice, even though it be prosperous.