--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: take care, in reading the writings of…" description: "\"“take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or hearing their speeches, that you do not attend to words more than things, nor get attracted more..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg" --- # take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or… ![“take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or hearing their speeches, that you do not attend to words more than things, nor get attracted more by what is difficult and curious than by what is serviceable and solid and useful.” quote by Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg) > ““take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or hearing their speeches, that you do not attend to words more than things, nor get attracted more by what is difficult and curious than by what is serviceable and solid and useful.”” [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When studying philosophers, focus on practical, useful ideas rather than obscure or flashy concepts. **In simple terms:** Prioritize useful ideas over impressive words. Key Takeaway Seek practical wisdom. Themes philosophy education practicality Mood reflective instructive Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - academic study - personal development - reading philosophy Key Concepts critical thinking usefulness Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance depth with practicality? - What useful ideas have you applied? A Different Perspective Some may argue that challenging ideas also have value. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Philosophers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophers/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Practicality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/practicality/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [The basic drive behind real philosophy is curiosity about the world, not interest in the writings of philosophers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryan-magee/the-basic-drive-behind-real-philosophy-is-curiosity-about-the-world/) [Bryan Magee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryan-magee/) > [I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kurt-vonnegut/i-believe-that-reading-and-writing-are-the-most-nourishing-forms-of/) [Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-vonnegut/) > [I really enjoyed reading the writings of Fredrick Buechner, I havent read anything by him in probably a decade but about 20 years ago…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-lucado/i-really-enjoyed-reading-the-writings-of-fredrick-buechner-i-havent/) [Max Lucado](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-lucado/) > [A business woman needs a successful mix of design and practicality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donatella-versace/a-business-woman-needs-a-successful-mix-of-design-and-practicality/) [Donatella Versace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donatella-versace/) > [A business woman needs a successful mix of design and practicality. I look for that special piece that sets the watch apart from the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donatella-versace/a-business-woman-needs-a-successful-mix-of-design-and-practicality-i/) [Donatella Versace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donatella-versace/) > [My practicality consists in this, in the knowledge that if you beat your head against the wall it is your head which breaks and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antonio-gramsci/my-practicality-consists-in-this-in-the-knowledge-that-if-you-beat/) [Antonio Gramsci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antonio-gramsci/) > [Mystery is in the morning, and mystery in the night, and the beauty of mystery is everywhere; but still the plain truth remains, that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herman-melville/mystery-is-in-the-morning-and-mystery-in-the-night-and-the-beauty-of/) [Herman Melville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herman-melville/) > [“When the business man rebukes the idealism of his office-boy, it is commonly in some such speech as this: "Ah, yes, when one is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-k-chesterton/when-the-business-man-rebukes-the-idealism-of-his-office-boy-it-is/) [G.K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-k-chesterton/) > [all the time something within her was crying for a decision. She wanted her life shaped now, immediately — and the decision must be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/f-scott-fitzgerald/all-the-time-something-within-her-was-crying-for-a-decision-she/) [F. Scott Fitzgerald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/f-scott-fitzgerald/) > [“The most abstract truth is the most practical.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/the-most-abstract-truth-is-the-most-practical/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [If you're not getting work, make your own work. I think that's a good mentality. 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It is simplicity in fabric and way of cut. You cannot produce complicated clothes or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoran/comfort-simplicity-practicality-these-are-all-american-words-it-is/) Zoran > [“You can't grasp the wonderful and keep your feet on the ground.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/the-afters/you-can-t-grasp-the-wonderful-and-keep-your-feet-on-the-ground/) The Afters ## More by Plutarch > [When Eudæmonidas heard a philosopher arguing that only a wise man can be a good general, "This is a wonderful speech," said he; "but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/when-eud-monidas-heard-a-philosopher-arguing-that-only-a-wise-man-can/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [The generous mind adds dignity to every act, and nothing misbecomes it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/the-generous-mind-adds-dignity-to-every-act-and-nothing-misbecomes-it/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Painting is silent poetry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/painting-is-silent-poetry/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [King Agis said, "The Lacedæmonians are not wont to ask how many, but where the enemy are."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/king-agis-said-the-laced-monians-are-not-wont-to-ask-how-many-but/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Alexander wept when he heard from Anaxarchus that there was an infinite number of worlds; and his friends asking him if any accident had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/alexander-wept-when-he-heard-from-anaxarchus-that-there-was-an/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Proper listening is the foundation of proper living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/proper-listening-is-the-foundation-of-proper-living/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/painting-is-silent-poetry-and-poetry-is-painting-that-speaks/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Speech is like cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/speech-is-like-cloth-of-arras-opened-and-put-abroad-whereby-the/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [There were two brothers called Both and Either; perceiving Either was a good, understanding, busy fellow, and Both a silly fellow and good for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/there-were-two-brothers-called-both-and-either-perceiving-either-was/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [Why does pouring Oil on the Sea make it Clear and Calm? 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But Philolaus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/this-excerpt-is-presented-as-reproduced-by-copernicus-in-the-preface/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/it-is-part-of-a-good-man-to-do-great-and-noble-deeds-though-he-risk/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [I am whatever was, or is, or will be; and my veil no mortal ever took up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/i-am-whatever-was-or-is-or-will-be-and-my-veil-no-mortal-ever-took-up/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [The pilot cannot mitigate the billows or calm the winds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/the-pilot-cannot-mitigate-the-billows-or-calm-the-winds/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) > [“In Springtime, O Dionysos, To thy holy temple come, To Elis with thy Graces, Rushing with thy bull-foot, come, Noble Bull, Noble Bull”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/in-springtime-o-dionysos-to-thy-holy-temple-come-to-elis-with-thy/) [Plutarch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) [Explore all 451 Plutarch quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/) ## More Communication quotes > [Some people still believe you should just fall in line with what's going on - and that's scary. It makes a mockery of freedom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-robison/some-people-still-believe-you-should-just-fall-in-line-with-what-s/) [Emily Robison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-robison/) > [The problem posed by indirect speech acts is the problem of how it is possible for the speaker to say one thing and mean…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-searle/the-problem-posed-by-indirect-speech-acts-is-the-problem-of-how-it-is/) [John Searle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-searle/) > [We should have a conversation when we hang up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/we-should-have-a-conversation-when-we-hang-up/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/sing-like-no-one-s-listening-love-like-you-ve-never-been-hurt-dance/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [A poet is wounded into speech, and he examines these wounds, meticulously, to discover how to heal them. 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Smashing heads does not open minds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deborah-tannen/in-dialogue-there-is-opposition-yes-but-no-head-on-collision-smashing/) [Deborah Tannen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deborah-tannen/) > [A dialogue is very important. It is a form of communication in which question and answer continue till a question is left without an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jiddu-krishnamurti/a-dialogue-is-very-important-it-is-a-form-of-communication-in-which/) [Jiddu Krishnamurti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jiddu-krishnamurti/) > [I get afraid of the dark if I'm in a great deal of dark, and I have to move around inside of that fear...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-ferris/i-get-afraid-of-the-dark-if-i-m-in-a-great-deal-of-dark-and-i-have-to/) [Emil Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-ferris/) > [I've been in a serious conversation with one of my children, and a fan has come up. I've been in a public bathroom and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-reddy/i-ve-been-in-a-serious-conversation-with-one-of-my-children-and-a-fan/) [Helen Reddy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-reddy/) > [Life as we know it is fundamentally unsatisfying. I think most folks feel this to be true. They know that a life of aimless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-yates/life-as-we-know-it-is-fundamentally-unsatisfying-i-think-most-folks/) [Michael Yates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-yates/) > [Disability, in general, hasn't been included in the conversation about inclusivity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-winston-george/disability-in-general-hasn-t-been-included-in-the-conversation-about/) [Jason Winston George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-winston-george/) > [“Women will be at least 50 percent of the communications community workforce … from executive suite to interns. Why? 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No. You are not allowed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-eubank-sr/there-are-certain-things-you-must-not-say-in-spite-of-the-fact-that/) [Chris Eubank Sr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-eubank-sr/) [Browse all 21,506 Communication quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or hearing their speeches, that you do not attend to words more than things, nor get attracted more by what is difficult and curious than by what is serviceable and solid and useful.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Plutarch" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-philosophers-or-hearing-their/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Communication" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-philosophers-or-hearing-their/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e1/plutarch-597_communication_take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-phi_1084454.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“take care, in reading the writings of philosophers or hearing their speeches, that you do not attend to…” — Plutarch", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Plutarch", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plutarch/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“take care, in reading the writings...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-philosophers-or-hearing-their/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plutarch/take-care-in-reading-the-writings-of-philosophers-or-hearing-their/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```