--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Plutarch has written an essay on the…" description: "\"Plutarch has written an essay on the benefits which a man may receive from his enemies; and among the good fruits of enmity, mentions this in particula..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad4/joseph-addison-377_benefits_plutarch-has-written-an-essay-on-the-ben_1970857.png" --- # Plutarch has written an essay on the benefits which a man… ![“Plutarch has written an essay on the benefits which a man may receive from his enemies; and among the good fruits of enmity, mentions this in particular, that by the reproaches which it casts upon us, we see the worst side of ourselves.” quote by Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad4/joseph-addison-377_benefits_plutarch-has-written-an-essay-on-the-ben_1970857.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad4/joseph-addison-377_benefits_plutarch-has-written-an-essay-on-the-ben_1970857.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad4/joseph-addison-377_benefits_plutarch-has-written-an-essay-on-the-ben_1970857.png) > “Plutarch has written an essay on the benefits which a man may receive from his enemies; and among the good fruits of enmity, mentions this in particular, that by the reproaches which it casts upon us, we see the worst side of ourselves.” [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Criticism from enemies reveals our hidden flaws, offering a chance for self‑awareness and growth. **In simple terms:** Enemies show us our worst traits. Key Takeaway Use criticism to improve yourself. Themes self‑awareness humility growth Mood introspective thoughtful Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal development - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology ethics reflection Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn hostile feedback into personal insight? - What steps help you accept criticism without defensiveness? A Different Perspective Criticism can be harsh and may damage relationships if not handled carefully. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Fruit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fruit/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) ## Related quotes > [There is no defence against reproach, but obscurity; it is a kind of concomitant to greatness, as satires and invectives were an essential part…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/there-is-no-defence-against-reproach-but-obscurity-it-is-a-kind-of/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [A man's first care should be to avoid the reproaches of his own heart; his next, to escape the censures of the world: if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/a-man-s-first-care-should-be-to-avoid-the-reproaches-of-his-own-heart-3/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Persons in great stations have seldom their true character drawn till several years after their death. Their personal friendships and enmities must cease, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/persons-in-great-stations-have-seldom-their-true-character-drawn-till/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [If men of eminence are exposed to censure on one hand, they are as much liable to flattery on the other. If they receive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/if-men-of-eminence-are-exposed-to-censure-on-one-hand-they-are-as/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-have-enemies-good-that-means-you-ve-stood-up-for-something-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You have got enemies, good that means you actually stood up for something.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eminem/you-have-got-enemies-good-that-means-you-actually-stood-up-for/) [Eminem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eminem/) > [But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luke-6-35/but-love-your-enemies-and-do-good-and-lend-expecting-nothing-in/) Luke 6:35 > [“I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects. A”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/i-choose-my-friends-for-their-good-looks-my-acquaintances-for-their/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“Love Your Enemies 27“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/crossway/love-your-enemies-27-but-i-say-to-you-who-hear-love-your-enemies-do/) Crossway > [“you have enemies? Good. That means you've stuck up for yourself sometime in your life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-have-enemies-good-that-means-you-ve-stuck-up-for-yourself/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michele-woolley/but-love-your-enemies-do-good-to-them-and-lend-to-them-without/) [Michele Woolley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michele-woolley/) > [“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-brown/you-have-enemies-good-that-means-you-ve-stood-up-for-something/) [Dan Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-brown/) > [You've got enemies? Good. That means you actually stood up for something in your life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eminem/you-ve-got-enemies-good-that-means-you-actually-stood-up-for/) [Eminem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eminem/) > [“You should never hate anyone, not even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You had to find the redeeming quality and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeannette-walls/you-should-never-hate-anyone-not-even-your-worst-enemies-everyone-has/) [Jeannette Walls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeannette-walls/) > [You should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You have to find the redeeming quality and love…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeannette-walls/you-should-never-hate-anyone-even-your-worst-enemies-everyone-has/) [Jeannette Walls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeannette-walls/) ## More by Joseph Addison > [Half the misery of human life might be extinguished if men would alleviate the general curse they lie under by mutual offices of compassion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/half-the-misery-of-human-life-might-be-extinguished-if-men-would/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Every wife ought to answer for her man. If the husband be engaged in a seditious club, or drinks mysterious healths, or be frugal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/every-wife-ought-to-answer-for-her-man-if-the-husband-be-engaged-in-a/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [There is nothing touches our imagination so much as a beautiful woman in a plain dress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/there-is-nothing-touches-our-imagination-so-much-as-a-beautiful-woman/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [We are always doing something for posterity, but I would fain see posterity do something for us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/we-are-always-doing-something-for-posterity-but-i-would-fain-see/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Female Virtues are of a Domestick turn. The Family is the proper Province for Private Women to Shine in. If they must be showing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/female-virtues-are-of-a-domestick-turn-the-family-is-the-proper/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [As addictions go, reading is among the cleanest, easiest to feed, happiest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/as-addictions-go-reading-is-among-the-cleanest-easiest-to-feed/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [There is no society or conversation to be kept up in the world without good-nature, or something which must bear its appearance and supply…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/there-is-no-society-or-conversation-to-be-kept-up-in-the-world/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [When love once pleads admission to our hearts, In spite of all the virtue we can boast, The woman that deliberates is lost.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/when-love-once-pleads-admission-to-our-hearts-in-spite-of-all-the/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Many actions calculated to procure fame are not conducive to ultimate happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/many-actions-calculated-to-procure-fame-are-not-conducive-to-ultimate/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [T is liberty crowns Britannia's Isle, And makes her barren rocks and her bleak mountains smile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/t-is-liberty-crowns-britannia-s-isle-and-makes-her-barren-rocks-and/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/reading-is-a-basic-tool-in-the-living-of-a-good-life/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [The moral perfections of the Deity, the more attentively, we consider, the more perfectly still shall we know them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/the-moral-perfections-of-the-deity-the-more-attentively-we-consider/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [The utmost we can hope for in this world is contentment; if we aim at anything higher, we shall meet with nothing but grief…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/the-utmost-we-can-hope-for-in-this-world-is-contentment-if-we-aim-at/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Courage that grows from constitution often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it; courage which arises from a sense of duty acts;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/courage-that-grows-from-constitution-often-forsakes-a-man-when-he-has/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [The most skillful flattery is to let a person talk on, and be a listener.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/the-most-skillful-flattery-is-to-let-a-person-talk-on-and-be-a/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) [Explore all 620 Joseph Addison quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) ## More Benefits quotes > [If the members of parliament no longer consider themselves mandatories of the taxpayers but deputies of those receiving salaries, wages, subsidies, doles, and other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ludwig-von-mises/if-the-members-of-parliament-no-longer-consider-themselves/) [Ludwig von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ludwig-von-mises/) > [ \[The Dalai Lama\] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i-ve-made-every-concession-to/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [Anger is a rough water; if you can canalize it into a water mill, you can benefit from it. Anything bad can be transformed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/anger-is-a-rough-water-if-you-can-canalize-it-into-a-water-mill-you/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [Shortly after I turned 50, both Ted Turner and the AARP came into my life. The only difference? With AARP, there were benefits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-fonda/shortly-after-i-turned-50-both-ted-turner-and-the-aarp-came-into-my/) [Jane Fonda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-fonda/) > [That old man dies prematurely whose memory records no benefits conferred. They only have lived long who have lived virtuously.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-brinsley-sheridan/that-old-man-dies-prematurely-whose-memory-records-no-benefits/) [Richard Brinsley Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-brinsley-sheridan/) > [Politics is about power. It is about the power of the state. It is about the power of the state as applied to individuals,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-rudd/politics-is-about-power-it-is-about-the-power-of-the-state-it-is/) [Kevin Rudd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-rudd/) > [Therefore, I see whatever exists as good, death is to me like life, sin like holiness, wisdom like foolishness, everything has to be as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hermann-hesse/therefore-i-see-whatever-exists-as-good-death-is-to-me-like-life-sin/) [Hermann Hesse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hermann-hesse/) > [Trust is about keeping commitments, but in many instances, circumstances change and organizations therefore shed commitments, things such as retiree medical benefits, pension obligations,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-pfeffer/trust-is-about-keeping-commitments-but-in-many-instances/) [Jeffrey Pfeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-pfeffer/) > [Neither novels or their readers benefit from any attempts to divine whether any facts hide inside a story. Such efforts attack the very idea…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-green/neither-novels-or-their-readers-benefit-from-any-attempts-to-divine/) [John Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-green/) > [Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-us-think-of-education-as-the-means-of-developing-our-greatest/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [To really be of benefit to others as the Buddha always taught, we ourselves must first get out of the swamp. One of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tenzin-palmo/to-really-be-of-benefit-to-others-as-the-buddha-always-taught-we/) [Tenzin Palmo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tenzin-palmo/) > [I won the seat of Oxley largely on an issue that has resulted in me being called a racist. 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