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 philosophical and ethical essay addresses the passion of "excessive compliancy" or "shamefacedness" (dysopia), which, despite originating from a fundamentally good disposition, causes great harm in human life. The author, Plutarch, warns that this weakness is a dangerous affliction that leads to distorted judgments in court, subjugation to others, and even historical tragedies and ruin. To cure this condition, he proposes starting with small, daily exercises in refusal, such as declining toasts or games of dice at social gatherings. He employs numerous anecdotes and sharp retorts from ancient sages like Plato, Cato, and Themistocles to demonstrate how to firmly reject unjust demands and sycophancy. Ultimately, the work emphasizes that it is far better to refuse an unjust request and face resentment than to comply and suffer deserved condemnation, encouraging readers to overcome this vulnerability by remembering past regrets.