Plutarch Quotes

Biographer

Plutarch, a renowned Greek historian and biographer, was born in 45 AD and died in 120 AD. His works are characterized by rigorous historical research and profound moral contemplation, having a profound impact on later generations.

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All Men Said Ifs Firsts Mind World Character Should Action Giving Wise Life Doe Littles Made People Politics Soul Virtue Enemy

Famous Plutarch Quotes

“To make an action honorable, it ought to be agreeable to the age, and other circumstances of the person; since it is circumstance and proper measure that give an action its character, and make it either good or bad.”

Action Evil Honor Good Bad Circumstance Agesilaus

Author:Plutarch

“The man who is completely wise and virtuous has no need of glory, except so far as it disposes and eases his way to action by the greater trust that it procures him.”

Men Way Needs Action Greater Wise He Man Glory Ease Virtuous

Book:Plutarch's Lives

Source: Plutarch's Lives

“When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of Oratory, he answered, "Action," and which was the second, he replied, "action," and which was the third, he still answered "Action.”

Firsts Stills Action Thirds Oratory

Book:Delphi Complete Works of Plutarch (Illustrated)

Source: Delphi Complete Works of Plutarch (Illustrated)

“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.”

Ifs Mind Reason Action Failing Determination Noble Grounded Mind Changing

Book:Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans: Complete

Source: Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans: Complete

“Whenever Alexander heard Philip had taken any town of importance, or won any signal victory, instead of rejoicing at it altogether, he would tell his companions that his father would anticipate everything, and leave him and them no opportunities of performing great and illustrious actions.”

Action Father Opportunity Taken Heard Victory Importance Towns Performing Companion Rejoice Signals Anticipate Philip

Book:The life of Alexander the Great

Source: The life of Alexander the Great

“But the Lacedaemonians, who make it their first principle of action to serve their country's interest, know not any thing to be just or unjust by any measure but that.”

Knows Firsts Country Action Interest Principles Unjust

Book:Plutarch's Lives: The Translation Called Dryden's Corrected from the Greek

Source: Plutarch's Lives: The Translation Called Dryden's Corrected from the Greek

“Being conscious of having done a wicked action leaves stings of remorse behind it, which, like an ulcer in the flesh, makes the mind smart with perpetual wounds; for reason, which chases away all other pains, creates repentance, shames the soul with confusion, and punishes it with torment.”

Mind Soul Reason Done Action Pain Behinds Smart Conscious Shame Flesh Wounds Confusion Wicked Repentance Perpetual Torment Remorse Ulcers

Author:Plutarch

“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.”

Men Enough Action Evil Common Courage Risk Danger Deeds Noble Good Man Good Actions Noble Deeds Incurring

Author:Plutarch

“It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.”

Men May Persons Important Real Character Action Virtue Battle Achievement Jokes Notes Vices Remarks Distinguished Casual Siege Real Character

Author:Plutarch

“It is circumstance and proper measure that give an action its character, and make it either good or bad.”

Giving Character Action Personality Circumstances

Book:Plutarch's Lives: The Translation Called Dryden's Corrected from the Greek

Source: Plutarch's Lives: The Translation Called Dryden's Corrected from the Greek

“When Demosthenes was asked what were the three most important aspects of oratory, he answered, 'Action, Action, Action.'”

Important Inspiration Action Three Aspect Oratory

Author:Plutarch

“Not by lamentations and mournful chants ought we to celebrate the funeral of a good man, but by hymns; for, ion ceasing to be numbered with mortals, he enters upon the heritage of a diviner life. Since he is gone where he feels no pain, let us not indulge in too much grief. The soul is incapable of death. And he, like a bird not long enough in his cage to become attached to it, is free to fly away to a purer air. . . . Since we cherish a trust like this, let our outward actions be in accord with it, and let us keep our hearts pure and our minds calm.”

“Democritus said, words are but the shadows of actions.”

Said Action Shadow

Book:Plutarch's Morals

Source: Plutarch's Morals

“Nothing can produce so great a serenity of life as a mind free from guilt and kept untainted, not only from actions, but purposes that are wicked. By this means the soul will be not only unpolluted but also undisturbed. The fountain will run clear and unsullied.”

Mind Mean Soul Running Action Purpose Peace Clear Produce Guilt Wicked Serenity Fountain Mind Free

Author:Plutarch

“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.”

Giving Made Action Serious Bed Accounts Busy Meals Inquiry Statesmen Liable Statesmanship Sportive

Book:Plutarch's Complete Works

Source: Plutarch's Complete Works

About the Author

Born: 45
Died: 120
Known for: Biographer
Quotes: 416

Books & Sources

Plutarch's MoralsRelated source material

Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans: Top BiographyRelated source material

Delphi Complete Works of Plutarch (Illustrated)Related source material

Plutarch's LivesRelated source material

Plutarch's Complete WorksRelated source material

Plutarch's Lives: Volume IRelated source material

Plutarch's Morals: Ethical EssaysRelated source material

Greek and Roman LivesRelated source material

Plutarch's Lives: Volume IIRelated source material

Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, comprising all the works collected under the title ofRelated source material

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