Plutarch of Chaeronea (circa 46–120 AD) was a prominent Greek biographer, essayist, and philosopher, known primarily for his works Parallel Lives and Moralia.
He was a key figure in the intellectual landscape of his time, bridging Greek and Roman cultures through his writings.
While Plutarch was not a Stoic philosopher in the traditional sense, his works engaged with Stoic ideas, and his influence extended across various schools of thought, including Stoicism.
Plutarch’s Parallel Lives offered biographies of Greek and Roman statesmen, focusing on moral lessons and the virtues (and vices) of these historical figures.
His Moralia, a collection of essays, dialogues, and speeches, covered a wide range of topics, from ethics to philosophy and religion.
Plutarch’s works not only shaped historical writing but also provided insight into the philosophical ideas of his time, making him a significant figure in the study of Stoicism and other schools of thought.
Early Life and Education
Plutarch was born in the small town of Chaeronea in Boeotia, Greece, around 46 AD, into a well-to-do and respected family.
His family’s wealth allowed him to receive an excellent education, which was instrumental in shaping his intellectual pursuits.
He studied philosophy under Ammonius, a Platonist philosopher in Athens, where he gained a deep understanding of various philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and the teachings of Plato.
Plutarch’s education and travels brought him into contact with many of the leading intellectual figures of his time, both in Greece and in the Roman Empire.
He developed a reputation as a philosopher and scholar, eventually becoming a priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, a position that granted him further prestige and influence.
Teachings and Philosophical Views
Plutarch was primarily a Platonist, deeply influenced by the philosophy of Plato.
However, his writings reveal an engagement with multiple schools of thought, including Stoicism.
While he was critical of some Stoic doctrines, especially their belief in the indifference of external goods and emotions, he admired the Stoics’ emphasis on virtue and moral integrity.
Plutarch’s Critique of Stoicism
Plutarch’s critiques of Stoicism were often aimed at what he perceived as the excessive rigidity of their ethical views.
In his essay “Against the Stoics on Common Conceptions,” he argued that the Stoic belief in the indifference of external goods, such as health, wealth, and relationships, was unrealistic.
Plutarch believed that while virtue is central to happiness, external factors also play a role in human well-being.
He also challenged the Stoic view of emotions, particularly their stance that emotions like anger, grief, and love should be entirely suppressed.
Plutarch argued that emotions are natural and can be constructive if properly moderated, a view more aligned with Platonic thought.
Ethical Teachings and Practical Philosophy
Though critical of Stoicism’s extreme positions, Plutarch’s ethical teachings had much in common with Stoic principles.
Like the Stoics, he believed in the importance of living a virtuous life, but he placed greater emphasis on moderation and balance, rather than complete suppression of desires and emotions.
His essay “On Moral Virtue” explored the idea of achieving harmony between reason and passion, suggesting that both have a place in human life.
Plutarch also advocated for self-improvement through philosophy, seeing it as a tool for personal growth.
He often emphasized practical philosophy, urging his readers to apply moral lessons to everyday life.
In this respect, his teachings echoed the Stoic idea that philosophy should be a guide to action, not just an intellectual pursuit.
Education and Civic Duty
Plutarch believed strongly in the importance of education and its role in shaping both individuals and society.
His essay “On Listening to Lectures” outlined the value of learning, not just for personal development but for the betterment of society.
He encouraged young people to seek out wisdom and cultivate their minds, arguing that education was the key to becoming a virtuous citizen.
Civic duty was another central theme in Plutarch’s work.
He believed that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of their community.
His biographies of great leaders in Parallel Lives often highlighted their dedication to public service, showing how personal virtue can lead to societal good.
Plutarch’s Major Works
Plutarch’s literary legacy is vast, but his two most famous works are Parallel Lives and Moralia.
Parallel Lives
Parallel Lives is a collection of biographies that pairs famous Greek and Roman figures, such as Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar, and Lycurgus with Numa Pompilius.
The purpose of these pairings was to draw moral and ethical comparisons between the two individuals, highlighting their virtues and flaws.
Plutarch was not primarily interested in historical accuracy but in the moral lessons that could be gleaned from these lives.
The work became highly influential in both the ancient and modern worlds, shaping how people viewed leadership, morality, and the relationship between character and fate.
Many later writers, including William Shakespeare, drew upon Parallel Lives for their own works.
Moralia
Moralia is a diverse collection of essays, speeches, and dialogues that covers a wide range of topics, from philosophy to religion, ethics, and politics.
Some of the most famous essays in this collection include “On the Education of Children,” “How to Tell a Flatterer from a Friend,” and “On the Control of Anger.”
These writings provide valuable insight into Plutarch’s views on human behavior, moral development, and the role of philosophy in daily life.
While Moralia is less well-known than Parallel Lives, it remains a significant work in its own right, offering a rich exploration of ethical and philosophical questions.
Notable Quotes by Plutarch
Plutarch’s works are filled with memorable quotes that reflect his wisdom and insight.
Some of his most famous sayings include:
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”
This quote reflects Plutarch’s belief in the active role of education, where learning should inspire curiosity and critical thinking, not just rote memorization.
“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”
This highlights his emphasis on the power of inner virtue and personal development to influence the world around us.
“It is part of a good man to do great and noble deeds, though he risk everything.”
A reflection on the importance of courage and moral action, even in the face of adversity.
Influence on Society and Stoicism
Plutarch’s influence extended well beyond his own time.
His Parallel Lives became one of the most widely read books of the Renaissance, shaping Western perceptions of history and biography.
Figures such as Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were deeply influenced by Plutarch’s works.
While Plutarch was a Platonist, his writings engaged with Stoic ideas, particularly in his discussions of virtue, ethics, and the role of philosophy in everyday life.
His critique of Stoicism’s rigid stance on emotions and external goods provided a valuable counterpoint to Stoic teachings, contributing to a richer philosophical dialogue in antiquity.
Plutarch’s work encouraged a more balanced approach to ethics, blending the virtues of Stoicism with the flexibility of Platonic thought.
Prominent Disciples and Legacy
While Plutarch did not have formal disciples in the way that philosophers like Socrates or Epictetus did, his works had a profound influence on later generations of thinkers and writers.
The Renaissance saw a revival of interest in Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, which became a model for biography and historical writing in Europe.
Plutarch’s ethical teachings, particularly his belief in the power of personal virtue and the importance of public service, resonated with intellectuals across time.
His ideas influenced later philosophical and literary movements, and his writings remain a vital source of wisdom for those seeking to understand the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership and personal development.
Plutarch was a philosopher, biographer, and moralist whose works bridged the gap between Greek and Roman thought.
While his primary philosophical allegiance was to Plato, his engagement with Stoicism and other schools of thought enriched the intellectual landscape of his time.
Through his Parallel Lives and Moralia, Plutarch provided a blueprint for ethical living, leadership, and personal development.
Plutarch’s emphasis on the practical application of philosophy, his critique of extreme Stoic positions, and his belief in the transformative power of education and virtue continue to resonate today.
His works remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking to live a life of moral integrity and wisdom.