Ancient Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“But, if we explore the literature of Heroism, we shall quickly come to Plutarch, who is its Doctor and historian. To him we owe the Brasidas, the Dion, the Epaminodas, the Scipio of old, and I must think we are more deeply indebted to him than to all the ancient writers. Each of his "Lives" is a refutation to the despondency and cowardice of our religious and political theorists. A wild courage, a Stoicism not of the schools, but of the blood, shines in every anecdote, and had given that book immense fame.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Heroism" in Essays, First Series, 1841
Emerson praises Plutarch as the ultimate source of heroic examples, countering modern cynicism with vivid, courageous narratives.
In simple terms: Plutarch shows true bravery, inspiring us against fear and doubt.
Key Takeaway
Read Plutarch for real courage.
Themes
heroism
courage
history
inspiration
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- leadership training
- public speaking
- personal resilience
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Stoicism
role models
moral exemplars
Questions to Reflect On
- How can everyday actions embody heroic ideals?
- What modern figures challenge Plutarch’s standards?
A Different Perspective
Plutarch’s accounts may idealize heroism, overlooking ordinary virtues.
![“I love and honour [Paulus Aemilius, in Plutarch's Lives], for his fondness for his children, which instead of blushing at, he avows and glories in: and that at an age, when almost all the heros and great men thought that to make their children and family a secondary concern, was the first proof of…” quote by Fanny Burney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e2c/fanny-burney-7403_age_i-love-and-honour-paulus-aemilius-in-plu_2989095.jpg)
