Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarchi Chaeronensis Moralia Vol I. Vernardakēs, Grēgorios N., editor. Leipzig. Teubner, 1888.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This philosophical work explores the question of whether human life and actions are governed by "chance" (tyche) or by "prudence" (phronesis). Opposing the popular view that chance rules all, the author argues for the necessity of good deliberation, citing the moral actions of historical figures such as Aristides and Alexander. Although humans are physically inferior to wild beasts, they dominate all other creatures and build their own lives through the power of reason and foresight, symbolized by Prometheus. The author further demonstrates the minimal role of chance in professional skills by referencing the work of artisans and anecdotes of painters. Ultimately, the work concludes that it is not capricious chance, but rather prudence and wisdom, that guide human happiness and the conduct of life.