Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarchi Chaeronensis Moralia, Vol. III. 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 ethical treatise by Plutarch analyzes the harmful passion of "busyness" or curiosity (polypragmosyne) and advocates for redirecting this energy toward self-examination. The author sharply criticizes the ugly nature of busybodies who pry into others' secrets and flaws, using vivid metaphors and warning of the dangers of investigating the private affairs of the powerful. He dissects the psychology of curiosity, revealing its connection to malice and envy. To overcome this vice, Plutarch suggests refocusing the mind on the study of nature and history, as well as practicing daily exercises of self-control, such as delaying the opening of a letter. Ultimately, drawing on the tragedy of Oedipus, the work warns of the disastrous consequences of needless meddling and guides the reader toward rational self-restraint.