521 Quotes by Plutarch

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

Fate, however, is to all appearance more unavoidable than unexpected.

A remorseful change of mind renders even a noble action base, whereas the determination which is grounded on knowledge and reason cannot change even if its actions fail.

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

Scilurus on his death-bed, being about to leave four-score sons surviving, offered a bundle of darts to each of them, and bade them break them. When all refused, drawing out one by one, he easily broke them, thus teaching them that if they held together, they would continue strong; but if they fell out and were divided, they would become weak.

Talkativeness has another plague attached to it, even curiosity; for praters wish to hear much that they may have much to say.

Good fortune will elevate even petty minds, and give them the appearance of a certain greatness and stateliness, as from their high place they look down upon the world; but the truly noble and resolved spirit raises itself, and becomes more conspicuous in times of disaster and ill fortune.

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

When Anaxagoras was told of the death of his son, he only said, "I knew he was mortal." So we in all casualties of life should say "I knew my riches were uncertain, that my friend was but a man." Such considerations would soon pacify us, because all our troubles proceed from their being unexpected.