Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 1 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"Plutarch
Philosophy
Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 1 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"
Plutarch
Classical literature; Essays; Ethics; Philosophy
ingenuous to our friends that are in a better or more happy state than
ourselves.
Wherefore let us enter the lists with our enemies, and contend with
them for true glory, lawful empire, and just gain. Let us not so much
debase ourselves as to be troubled and fret at any possessions they
enjoy more than we have. Let us rather carefully observe those good
qualities wherein our enemies excel us, so that by these motives we may
be excited to outdo them in honest diligence, indefatigable industry,
prudent caution, and exemplary sobriety; as Themistocles complained
that the victory Miltiades got at Marathon would not let him sleep.
But whosoever views his adversary exalted far above him in dignities,
in pleading of great causes, in administration of state affairs, or
in favor and friendship with princes, and doth not put forth all
his strength and power to get before him in these things,—this man
commonly pines away, and by degrees sinks into the sloth and misery
of an envious and inactive life. And we may observe, that envy and
hatred do raise such clouds in the understanding, that a man shall not
be able to pass a right judgment concerning things which he hates;
but whosoever with an impartial eye beholds, and with a sincere mind
judges, the life and manners, discourses, and actions of his enemy,
will soon understand that many of those things that raise his envy were
gotten by honest care, a discreet providence, and virtuous deeds. Thus
the love of honorable and brave actions may be kindled and advanced in
him, and an idle and lazy course of life may be contemned and forsaken.
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