Plutarch

When Eudæmonidas heard a philosopher arguing that only a wise man can be a good general, "This is a wonderful speech," said…

— Plutarch

The generous mind adds dignity to every act, and nothing misbecomes it.

— Plutarch

Painting is silent poetry.

— Plutarch

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

— Plutarch

Alexander wept when he heard from Anaxarchus that there was an infinite number of worlds; and his friends asking him if any…

— Plutarch

Proper listening is the foundation of proper living.

— Plutarch

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.

— Plutarch

Speech is like cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie…

— Plutarch

There were two brothers called Both and Either; perceiving Either was a good, understanding, busy fellow, and Both a silly fellow and…

— Plutarch

Why does pouring Oil on the Sea make it Clear and Calm? Is it that the winds, slipping the smooth oil, have…

— Plutarch

This excerpt is presented as reproduced by Copernicus in the preface to De Revolutionibus: "Some think that the earth remains at rest.…

— Plutarch

It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything.

— Plutarch

I am whatever was, or is, or will be; and my veil no mortal ever took up.

— Plutarch

The pilot cannot mitigate the billows or calm the winds.

— Plutarch

“In Springtime, O Dionysos, To thy holy temple come, To Elis with thy Graces, Rushing with thy bull-foot, come, Noble Bull, Noble…

— Plutarch

There is no perfecter endowment in man than political virtue.

— Plutarch

Time which diminishes all things increases understanding for the aging.

— Plutarch

Playing the Cretan with the Cretans (i.e. lying to liars).

— Plutarch

When the strong box contains no more both friends and flatterers shun the door.

— Plutarch

God alone is entirely exempt from all want of human virtues, that which needs least is the most absolute and divine.

— Plutarch

That we may consult concerning others, and not others concerning us.

— Plutarch

“The mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.”

— Plutarch

The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it, therefore, while it lasts, and not spend…

— Plutarch

An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.

— Plutarch

Anacharsis coming to Athens, knocked at Solon's door, and told him that he, being a stranger, was come to be his guest,…

— Plutarch