“We ought to give our friend pain if it will benefit him, but not to the extent of breaking off our friendship; but just as we make use of some biting medicine that will save and preserve the life of the patient. And so the friend, like a musician, in bringing about an improvement to what is good and expedient, sometimes slackens the chords, sometimes tightens them, and is often pleasant, but always useful.”
Quote by Plutarch
Work
Morals: Ethical Essays. Translated, with Notes and Index. by Arthur Richard Shilleto
This book presents a selection of ethical essays translated from their original languages by Arthur Richard Shilleto. It includes detailed notes and an index to aid readers in understanding and referencing the content of the essays. more
Author
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