Plutarch Quotes

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

"What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality."

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

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

"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."

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

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

"No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune."

"To find fault is easy; to do better may be difficult."

"It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors."

"A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues."

"The wildest colts make the best horses."

"Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist."

"If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes."

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

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

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

"In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker."

"Character is long-standing habit."

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

"Prosperity is no just scale; adversity is the only balance to weigh friends."

"We ought not to treat living creatures like shoes or household belongings, which when worn with use we throw away."

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

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

"Character is simply habit long continued."

"Neither blame or praise yourself."

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

"Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly."

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

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