Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarchi Chaeronensis Moralia, Vol. IΙI. Vernardakēs, Grēgorios N., editor. Leipzig: Teubner, 1891.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This treatise compares and examines whether the diseases of the body or the passions of the soul are more miserable and destructive for human beings. Starting from Homer's observation that man is the most wretched of all creatures, the author analyzes the differing natures of bodily and spiritual illnesses. While bodily diseases bring physical pain and compel the patient to seek treatment, the ailments of the soul paralyze reason, leaving the individual entirely unaware of their own sickness. Furthermore, unlike physical illness which forces a person to rest, the diseases of the soul drive individuals into frantic action and ruinous behavior. Finally, the author illustrates the destructive gravity of these spiritual passions through the vivid depiction of chaotic crowds clashing in marketplaces and courts.