Skip to content

Dead Quote by Plutarch

“Concerning the dead nothing but good shall be spoken. [Lat., De mortuis nil nisi bonum.]” quote by Plutarch
Download Open image
“Concerning the dead nothing but good shall be spoken. [Lat., De mortuis nil nisi bonum.]”

Plutarch

About This Quote

Source Book: Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans, Plutarch, c. 100 AD

It advises speaking only kindly about those who have died, avoiding criticism after death.

In simple terms: Speak kindly of the dead.

Key Takeaway

Respect the dead, avoid gossip.

Themes

respect etiquette mortality

Mood

reflective solemn

Type

ethical cultural

When to use this quote

  • funerals
  • memorials
  • online tributes
  • family gatherings

Key Concepts

Stoicism social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does silence affect collective memory?
  • When is it appropriate to critique the dead?
A Different Perspective

May suppress honest reflection about harmful legacies.

3.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Plutarch

Explore all 451 Plutarch quotes

More Dead quotes

Browse all 3,376 Dead quotes