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

“The saying of old Antigonus, who when he was to fight at Andros, and one told him, "The enemy's ships are more than ours," replied, "For how many then wilt thou reckon me?”

Fighting Enemy Ships

Book:Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans: Top Biography

Source: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans: Top Biography

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

Thinking Littles Enemy Acknowledge Cheat Oath

Author:Plutarch

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

Enemy Command Despise Cowardice Unfortunate Prosperous Great Respect Valour

Book:Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans: Complete

Source: Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans: Complete

“King Agis said, "The Lacedæmonians are not wont to ask how many, but where the enemy are."”

Said Asks Enemy Kings

Author:Plutarch

“Pompey had fought brilliantly and in the end routed Caesar's whole force... but either he was unable to or else he feared to push on. Caesar [said] to his friends: 'Today the enemy would have won, if they had had a commander who was a winner.'”

Ifs Said Ends Whole Today Force Enemy Winner Commanders Pompey

Author:Plutarch

“A soldier told Pelopidas, "We are fallen among the enemies." Said he, "How are we fallen among them more than they among us?"”

Said Enemy Soldier Fallen

Author:Plutarch

“Alexander esteemed it more kingly to govern himself than to conquer his enemies.”

Freedom Enemy Conquer

Author:Plutarch

“It was not important how many enemies there are, but where the enemy is”

Important Enemy

Author:Plutarch

“Let us carefully observe those good qualities wherein our enemies excel us; and endeavor to excel them, by avoiding what is faulty, and imitating what is excellent in them.”

Quality Enemy Careful Excellent Endeavor Avoiding Brilliant Ideas Good Quality Imitating

Author:Plutarch

“Distressed valor challenges great respect, even from an enemy.”

Challenges Enemy Courage Valor Great Respect

Book:Plutarch's Lives

Source: Plutarch's Lives

“If you hate your enemies, you will contract such a vicious habit of mind that it will break out upon those who are your friends, or those who are indifferent to you.”

Ifs Mind Hate Enemy Break Habit Hatred Contracts Indifferent Hate You Vicious Break Out Habits Of Mind

Author:Plutarch

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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