Plutarch

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Plutarch (c. AD 46 – after 119) was a Greek biographer and essayist, known primarily for his Parallel Lives and Moralia. He is considered one of the most significant ancient historians, whose work has had a profound influence on the literature and historiography of the Western world.

Life

Plutarch was born in the small town of Chaeronea, in the Greek region of Boeotia, around the year AD 46. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received a comprehensive education in philosophy, rhetoric, and mathematics. Plutarch traveled widely in the Roman Empire, including visits to Rome and Alexandria, which exposed him to a wide range of cultures and intellectual currents.

He spent most of his life in Chaeronea, where he was involved in local politics and served as a priest at the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Plutarch's social status and connections with the Roman elite allowed him access to the highest circles of society, where he became a sought-after teacher and lecturer.

Works

Plutarch's most famous work, the Parallel Lives, is a series of biographies of famous Greek and Roman men, arranged in pairs to illuminate their common moral virtues or failings. The Parallel Lives includes biographies of such notable figures as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Lycurgus. Through these comparative biographies, Plutarch aimed to provide moral examples that readers could learn from.

In addition to the Parallel Lives, Plutarch wrote the Moralia, a collection of essays, dialogues, and letters on a wide range of topics, including ethics, religion, politics, and literature. The Moralia reflects Plutarch's interest in the moral philosophy of the Socratic tradition and his belief in the importance of philosophical inquiry for the improvement of society.

Philosophy

Plutarch was a Middle Platonist, and his philosophical views were deeply influenced by Plato's teachings. However, he also incorporated elements from other philosophical schools, such as the Stoics and Epicureans, into his thought. Plutarch's philosophy emphasized the importance of virtue and the moral development of the individual. He believed that the study of the lives of great men could inspire readers to improve their own characters and strive for moral excellence.

Legacy

Plutarch's works have had a lasting impact on Western literature and thought. His biographies have been immensely popular throughout history, inspiring countless other writers, including William Shakespeare, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Montaigne. Plutarch's influence extends beyond literature into the realms of history, philosophy, and education, where his emphasis on moral character and the value of historical examples has continued to resonate.