Plutarch (40-120)

Quotes

• The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it.

• So very difficult a matter is it to trace and find out the truth of anything by history.

• Rest is the sweet sauce of labor.

• It is certainly desirable to be well descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.

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

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

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

• Nor is it always in the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered: but very often an action of small note, a short saying, or a jest, shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battle.

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

• 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 giving of riches and honors to a wicked man is like giving strong wine to him that hath a fever.

• Nothing is harder to direct than a man in prosperity; nothing more easily managed than one is adversity.

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

• Learn to be pleased with everything; with wealth, so far as it makes us beneficial to others; with poverty, for not having much to care for; and with obscurity, for being unenvied.

• Perseverance is more prevailing than violence; and many things which cannot be overcome when they are together, yield themselves up when taken little by little.

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

• An old doting fool, with one foot already in the grave.

• When the candles are out all women are fair.

• For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human.

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