Quotes by Plutarch

There are two sentences inscribed upon the Ancient oracle... "Know thyself" and "Nothing too much"; and upon these all other precepts depend.

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

To fail to do good is as bad as doing harm.

The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune.

Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly.

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

Learn to be pleased with everything...because it could always be worse, but isn't!

Proper listening is the foundation of proper living.

No beast is more savage than man when possessed with power answerable to his rage.

The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.

Do not speak of your happiness to one less fortunate than yourself.

Time is the wisest of all counselors.

Barba non facit philosophum

The poor go to war, to fight and die for the delights, riches, and superfluities of others.

The abuse of buying and selling votes crept in and money began to play an important part in determining elections. Later on, this process of corruption spread to the law courts. And then to the army, and finally the Republic was subjected to the rule of emperors

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

What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.

The whole of life is but a moment of time. It is our duty, therefore to use it, not to misuse it.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.

For the mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth.

If you hate your enemies, you will contract such a vicious habit of mind that it will break out upon those who are your friends, or those who are indifferent to you.

The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.