Quotes & anectdotes from
the wise,
the foolish,
the courageous &
the drunk

Plutarch Philosopher

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: Roman Republic
  • Born: 45 CE
  • Died: 120 CE

Plutarch, was a Greek historian, biographer, and essayist, known primarily for his Parallel Lives and Moralia. He is considered today to be a Middle Platonist.

What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

Courage consists not in hazarding without fear but being resolutely minded in a just cause.

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.

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.

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

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.

I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions.

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.

Courage stands halfway between cowardice and rashness, one of which is a lack, the other an excess of courage.

Medicine to produce health must examine disease and music, to create harmony must investigate discord.

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.

It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything.

The wildest colts make the best horses.

The omission of good is no less reprehensible than the commission of evil.

The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie in good education.

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