Plutarch Quotes
A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues. All men whilst they are awake are in one common world: but each of them, when he is asleep, is in a world of his own. An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics. Character is long-standing habit. Character is simply habit long continued. Courage consists not in hazarding without fear; but being resolutely minded in a just cause. Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage. Do not speak of your happiness to one less fortunate than yourself. Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist. For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human. I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better. I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions. If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes. In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker. It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors. It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything. It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt. Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly. Let us carefully observe those good qualities wherein our enemies excel us; and endeavor to excel them, by avoiding what is faulty, and imitating what is excellent in them. Medicine to produce health must examine disease; and music, to create harmony must investigate discord.
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