I love and honour [Paulus Aemilius, in Plutarch's Lives]…
“I love and honour [Paulus Aemilius, in Plutarch's Lives], for his fondness for his children, which instead of blushing at, he avows and glories in: and that at an age, when almost all the heros and great men thought that to make their children and family a secondary concern, was the first proof of their superiority and greatness of soul.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Honoring children publicly demonstrates a leader's moral superiority and deep humanity.
In simple terms: Public love for children shows true greatness.
Value and express love for family openly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- biography
- classical literature
- moral philosophy
- cultural norms
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does public affection for family affect leadership perception?
- Can personal virtue be measured by family love?
Overemphasis on public image can mask private flaws.