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Epaminondas is reported wittily to have said of a good man…

“Epaminondas is reported wittily to have said of a good man that died about the time of the battle of Leuctra, "How came he to have so much leisure as to die, when there was so much stirring?” quote by Plutarch
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“Epaminondas is reported wittily to have said of a good man that died about the time of the battle of Leuctra, "How came he to have so much leisure as to die, when there was so much stirring?”

Plutarch

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A good man died while the world was tumultuous, highlighting the irony of leisure amid crisis.

In simple terms: A good man died during chaos, showing irony of leisure.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the fleeting nature of life.

Themes

mortality irony history

Mood

reflective somber

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war
  • personal reflection
  • legacy
  • timing

Key Concepts

philosophy human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance duty and rest?
  • What does “leisure” mean in crisis?
A Different Perspective

Life’s brevity may be overstated; not all leisure is wasteful.

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