Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarch's Lives, Vol. II. Perrin, Bernadotte, editor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1914.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a biography depicting the life of Cato the Elder (Marcus Porcius Cato), an influential statesman and general of the Roman Republic. Renowned for his robust physical strength, eloquence, and extremely frugal lifestyle, Cato stood out in a Roman society that was increasingly leaning toward luxury. As a military commander, he achieved great success through his campaigns in Hispania and a decisive ambush at Thermopylae, while in politics, he relentlessly prosecuted corrupt officials. Upon being elected censor, he strove to purify Roman morals through strict regulations and heavy taxation on luxury goods. In his private life, he managed his household and educated his son with a pragmatic, unyielding severity, harboring deep suspicion toward Greek philosophy and medicine. Even in his advanced years, while enjoying writing and farming, he passionately warned the Senate of the threat posed by Carthage and advocated for its destruction until the end of his days.