Plutarch

Date of Birth: c. 46 AD

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: c. 119 AD

Biography

Plutarch, a distinguished Greek philosopher, historian, biographer, and essayist, was born in Chaeronea, a small town in Boeotia, around 46 AD. He is best known for his work “Parallel Lives,” a series of biographies of famous Greek and Roman men, and “Moralia,” a collection of essays and speeches. Plutarch’s works have had a profound impact on literature and philosophy, influencing writers and thinkers throughout history, including Shakespeare and Montaigne. Plutarch came from a well-to-do family, which afforded him a good education. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the Academy of Athens under Ammonius. He also traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, visiting places like Alexandria and Rome. In Rome, he gained significant recognition and was granted Roman citizenship by Emperor Trajan. Plutarch spent most of his later life in his hometown of Chaeronea, where he served as a priest at the Temple of Apollo and dedicated himself to writing and teaching. He wrote in Greek, but many of his works were translated into Latin, which helped spread his ideas across the Roman Empire and beyond.

5 Interesting Facts about Plutarch

1. Plutarch served as a priest at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi for many years.

2. He held several important civic positions in his hometown of Chaeronea, including magistrate.

3. Plutarch’s “Parallel Lives” was intended to provide moral lessons through the comparison of Greek and Roman figures.

4. He was given Roman citizenship and the name Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus by Emperor Trajan.

5. Plutarch’s works influenced many Renaissance writers, including Shakespeare, who used “Parallel Lives” as a source for his Roman plays.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Plutarch

1. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

2. “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”

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

4. “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.”

5. “Character is simply habit long continued.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no records of Plutarch’s net worth, as he lived in a time when the concept of personal net worth was not documented in the manner it is today. However, his family was known to be affluent, allowing him to focus on his scholarly pursuits.

Children

Plutarch had at least five children, four sons and a daughter. His daughter, Timoxena, died young, and Plutarch wrote a touching letter to his wife, offering comfort and philosophical reflections on their loss. His sons included Autobulus and Plutarch II, who continued some of his father’s intellectual endeavors.