Summary
Plutarch’s Morals (also known as Moralia) is a wide-ranging collection of over 70 essays, dialogues, and speeches by the Greek historian and philosopher Plutarch. Unlike his more famous Parallel Lives, which focuses on the biographies of Greek and Roman statesmen, Moralia explores ethical, religious, political, and philosophical questions from a deeply humanistic and often practical standpoint.
The topics vary significantly, including essays like:
"On the Delays of the Divine Vengeance" – examining justice and divine punishment,
"On the Control of Anger" – offering guidance on managing emotions,
"Whether Vice Be Sufficient to Cause Unhappiness" – exploring the moral roots of suffering,
"Is the Saying 'Live Unknown' a Wise One?" – reflecting on fame and the value of a quiet life.
Plutarch draws from Greek philosophy, especially Platonic and Stoic thought, but infuses it with his own sense of moderation, civic responsibility, and psychological insight.
The tone is often conversational and anecdotal, making his moral philosophy accessible, humane, and deeply relatable, even to modern readers.