Selections from one of the greatest essayists of the Graeco-Roman world Plutarch used an encyclopedic knowledge of the Roman Empire to produce a compelling and individual voice. In this superb selection from his writings, he offers personal insights into moral subjects that include the virtue of listening, the danger of flattery and the avoidance of anger, alongside more speculative essays on themes as diverse as God's slowness to punish man, the use of reason by supposedly "irrational" animals and the death of his own daughter. Brilliantly informed, these essays offer a treasure-trove of ancient wisdom, myth and philosophy, and a powerful insight into a deeply intelligent man. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
CONTENTS
Preface and Acknowledgements vii
Abbreviations ix
Introduction 1
ON LISTENING
Introduction 19
Essay 27
HOW TO DISTINGUISH A FLATTERER FROM A FRIEND
Introduction 51
Essay 61
ON BEING AWARE OF MORAL PROGRESS
Introduction 113
Essay 122
WHETHER MILITARY OR INTELLECTUAL EXPLOITS
HAVE BROUGHT ATHENS MORE FAME
Introduction 147
Essay 154
ON THE AVOIDANCE OF ANGER
Introduction 168
Essay 176
ON CONTENTMENT
Introduction 202
Essay 211
