God alone is entirely exempt from all want of human virtues, that which needs least is the most absolute and divine. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Friendship requires a steady, constant, and unchangeable character, a person that is uniform in his intimacy. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
“Demaratus, being asked in a troublesome manner by an importunate fellow, Who was the best man in Lacedaemon? answered at last, 'He,… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
It is circumstance and proper measure that give an action its character, and make it either good or bad. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practice. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
“For there is no virtue, the honor and credit for which procures a man more odium than that of justice; and this,… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Blinded as they are to their true character by self-love, every man is his own first and chiefest flatterer, prepared, therefore, to… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
By the study of their biographies, we receive each man as a guest into our minds, and we seem to understand their… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
The most glorious exploits do not always furnish us with the clearest discoveries of virtue or vice in men. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
“For as we would wish that a painter who is to draw a beautiful face, in which there is yet some imperfection,… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
“But virtue, by the bare statement of its actions, can so affect men's minds as to create at once both admiration of… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
For there is no virtue, the honour and credit for which procures a man more odium from the elite than that of… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
It is no flattery to give a friend a due character; for commendation is as much the duty of a friend as… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
There is no stronger test of a person's character than power and authority, exciting as they do every passion, and discovering every… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
It is a high distinction for a homely woman to be loved for her character rather than for beauty. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
It is not histories I am writing, but lives; and in the most glorious deeds there is not always an indication of… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
When Eudæmonidas heard a philosopher arguing that only a wise man can be a good general, "This is a wonderful speech," said he; "but… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
King Agis said, "The Lacedæmonians are not wont to ask how many, but where the enemy are." — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Alexander wept when he heard from Anaxarchus that there was an infinite number of worlds; and his friends asking him if any accident had… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Speech is like cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
There were two brothers called Both and Either; perceiving Either was a good, understanding, busy fellow, and Both a silly fellow and good for… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
Why does pouring Oil on the Sea make it Clear and Calm? Is it that the winds, slipping the smooth oil, have no force,… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
This excerpt is presented as reproduced by Copernicus in the preface to De Revolutionibus: "Some think that the earth remains at rest. But Philolaus… — Plutarch Copy Share Image
It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything. — Plutarch Copy Share Image
